Former India Under-19 cricketer Manjot Kalra remanded by court in LPL corruption case

Former India Under-19 player Majot Kalra has been remanded until July 31 by the Magistrate’s Court in Colombo after his arrest over corruption charges during the 2026 Lanka Premier League season. 

Kalra, co-owner of the Jaffna Kings, was taken into custody ahead of the start of the season on July 17 on allegations of match fixing, along with co-owner Mayank Goel.

The court heard that Kalra had approached players Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dunith Wellalage and Avishka Fernando, members of the Kings’ side, and allegedly offered the players sums of money over USD 30,000 to influence the results of games. The players were allegedly in possession of voice recordings of phone calls and video evidence to support the case.

The defence counsel rejected all allegations, asserting that there was no evidence to support the allegations. Bail was sought but denied on the grounds of preserving the investigation. Kalra denied the charges, and his representatives released a statement which affirmed his cooperation with the procedures of the court.

“Having had the privilege of representing India with honour, Mr. Kalra fully understands the responsibility and integrity expected of those associated with Indian sport. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to upholding those values. Mr. Kalra became a co-owner in the league as a minority shareholder, entering the venture in good faith and with complete integrity.

Prior to his association, the league conducted all requisite background and due diligence checks, which confirmed his clean reputation. As the matter is currently under investigation, Mr. Kalra will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities and will refrain from making any further comments at this stage. He remains confident that the truth will prevail,” read a statement.

Following the approach from Kalra, the players reportedly contacted the Sri Lanka Police’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports. They then, on the instructions of the SIU, negotiated payments of LKR 11.5 million, of which LKR 9.5 million was an advance. The police arrested Kalra and another unnamed associate when the latter brought the bag with the advance payments to the agreed location. 

“Senior Counsel Mr K Wasantha S Fernando, Attorney at Law and his able team of Junior Attorneys at Law are currently taking care of his interest and have expressed the confidence in disproving and negating the allegations leveled against Mr Kalra and will ensure all possible steps are taken within the provisions of law to bring all perpetrators involved in fixing Mr Kalra into this undesired situation to light while assisting law enforcement officers and Honorable Court to arrive at Justice in the right manner,” it further added.