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 on allegations of attempting to induce a player into corrupt practices 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 “full cooperation” to the Police Special Investigation Unit (SIU) for the Prevention of Sports-Related Crimes.“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 Sports Related Crimes should assistance be sought in connection with any investigation arising out of the matter,” SLC said.The board stressed that the five-team tournament that began on Friday at the SSC Grounds in Colombo will continue as planned.
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 interested party 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 sporting integrity organisation, to provide specialist integrity and education support throughout the competition.“Sri Lanka Cricket has a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption and unethical practices and will ensure that all necessary measures are taken to safeguard the integrity of the Lanka Premier League 2026,” the board added.
Kalra remains in judicial custody
Kalra, 27, was detained by the SIU and later produced before a magistrate, who remanded him to 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 in custody after being produced before the court, according to news agency PTI.Police allege that 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 probe.Kalra rose to prominence in 2018 when he scored an unbeaten 101 in the ICC Under-19 World Cup final against Australia, guiding Prithvi Shaw-led India to the title. The team also featured future India internationals Shubman Gill, Arshdeep Singh and Shivam Mavi.After stepping away from professional cricket, Kalra turned to 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 the Jaffna Kings were scheduled to face the Galle Gallants. As the investigation continues, Sri Lanka Cricket has made it clear that the tournament will go ahead without interruption, insisting that strong anti-corruption measures remain in place to protect the league’s credibility.
