Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has reaffirmed its ‘zero tolerance’ stance on corruption after India’s former Under-19 World Cup winner and Jaffna Kings co-owner Manjot Kalra was arrested on charges of trying to induce a player to engage in corrupt practices during the Lanka Premier League (LPL).In a statement released hours after Kalra’s arrest on Friday, the island nation’s cricket board said the ongoing investigation would not affect the conduct of the LPL and pledged its “fullest cooperation” with the police’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU) for the Prevention of Sport-Related Offences.“Sri Lanka Cricket, together with the Lanka Premier League 2026, will extend its fullest cooperation to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) for the Prevention of Offenses Related to Sport should assistance be sought in relation to any investigation arising from the matter,” SLC said.The court stressed that the five-team tournament, which started on Friday at the SSC Grounds in Colombo, will continue as planned.
SLC reiterates zero tolerance policy
Reaffirming its commitment to protect the integrity of the competition, SLC said it will not tolerate corruption, misconduct or foul play by any interested party associated with the league.“As the governing body of the Lanka Premier League 2026, Sri Lanka Cricket reiterates its unwavering commitment to protect the integrity of the tournament and will not tolerate any form of corruption, misconduct or foul play by any stakeholder associated with the league,” the statement said.The court added that extensive safeguards had already been put in place before the start of the tournament.According to SLC, its Anti-Corruption Unit has been working closely with the government’s SIU to strengthen the framework of the anti-corruption league. It has also appointed Integrity Mentors, an independent anti-corruption and sports integrity organisation, to provide integrity support and specialist education throughout the competition.“Sri Lanka Cricket has a zero tolerance approach to corruption and unethical practices and will ensure that all necessary steps are taken to safeguard the integrity of the 2026 Lanka Premier League,” the board added.
Kalra remanded in judicial custody
Kalra, 27, was taken into custody by the SIU and later produced before a magistrate, who remanded him in judicial custody till July 31, according to local media reports.Another Indian national, identified as Yuvraj Pushpa, was also arrested in connection with the case and remanded after being produced before the court, according to news agency PTI.Police say Kalra tried to offer money to a player associated with the Lankan Premier League. Reports in Sri Lanka said the complaint was filed by Jaffna Kings players Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando and Dunith Wellalage, prompting the anti-corruption investigation.Kalra rose to prominence in 2018 when he smashed an unbeaten 101 in the ICC Under-19 World Cup final against Australia, leading Prithvi Shaw-led India to the title. The team also featured future Indian internationals Shubman Gill, Arshdeep Singh and Shivam Mavi.After stepping away from professional cricket, Kalra moved into sports entrepreneurship and became an investor in the Jaffna Kings franchise earlier this year.His arrest came on the opening day of the Lanka Premier League, where Jaffna Kings were scheduled to face Galle Gallants. While the investigation continues, Sri Lanka Cricket has made it clear that the tournament will proceed without interruption, insisting that robust anti-corruption measures remain firmly in place to protect the league’s credibility.