Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has reaffirmed its “zero-tolerance” stance on corruption after former India Under-19 World Cup winner and Jaffna Kings co-owner Manjot Kalra was arrested over allegations of attempting to induce a player into corrupt practice during the Lanka Premier League (LPL).In a statement issued 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” to the Police Special Investigation Unit (SIU) for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports.“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 Offences Relating to Sports should any assistance be sought in connection with any inquiry arising from the matter,” SLC said.The board stressed that the five-team tournament, which got underway on Friday at the SSC Grounds in Colombo, would continue as scheduled.
SLC reiterates zero-tolerance policy
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting the integrity of the competition, SLC said it would not tolerate corruption, misconduct or foul play by any stakeholder associated with the league.“As the governing body of the Lanka Premier League 2026, Sri Lanka Cricket reiterates its unwavering commitment to protecting 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 read.The board added that extensive safeguards had already been put in place before the tournament began.According to SLC, its Anti-Corruption Unit has been working closely with the government’s SIU to strengthen the league’s anti-corruption framework. It has also appointed Integrity Mentors, an independent anti-corruption and sports integrity organisation, to provide specialist integrity support and 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 Lanka Premier League 2026,” 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 until 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, as per news agency PTI.Police allege Kalra attempted to offer money to a player associated with the Lanka Premier League. Reports in Sri Lanka said the complaint was lodged by Jaffna Kings players Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando and Dunith Wellalage, prompting the anti-corruption investigation.Kalra rose to prominence in 2018 when he struck an unbeaten 101 in the ICC Under-19 World Cup final against Australia, guiding India, led by Prithvi Shaw, to the title. The squad also featured future India 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 uninterrupted, insisting that robust anti-corruption measures remain firmly in place to protect the league’s credibility.
