New Delhi: Manjot Kalra, India’s former Under-19 World Cup winner, was arrested by Sri Lanka’s sports anti-corruption investigators on Friday over allegations of attempting to bribe a player during the Sri Lanka Premier League (LPL), according to news agency PTI.Kalra, who hit a match-winning century in the final match of India’s victorious 2018 Under-19 World Cup campaign, has been taken into custody by the police’s Special Investigations Unit to prevent sports-related crimes. He was later brought before a judge.
The 27-year-old was part of Prithvi Shaw’s 2018 U-19 World Cup-winning India squad. The team also included future India internationals Shubman Gill, Arshdeep Singh and Shivam Mavi.
Kalra was the hero of the final, remaining unbeaten with 101 runs, as India defeated Australia to lift the trophy.According to the Sri Lankan Police, Kalra is accused of offering money to the player in connection with the Sri Lanka Premier League.The arrest came just hours before the start of the tournament. Kalra is one of the co-owners of the Jaffna Kings franchise.
Alleged bribery attempt
The 27-year-old, who moved into sports entrepreneurship after his playing career, became an investor in the Jaffna Kings franchise earlier this year.
According to investigators, the player who was allegedly contacted reported the incident to authorities about 10 days later, which eventually led to Kalra’s arrest on Friday.Police said the complaint was filed by Sri Lankan cricketers Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando and Dhunith Willalage. The three represent Jaffna Kings in the LPL.Kalra’s arrest came on the opening day of the 2026 Lanka Premier League, where Jaffna Kings were scheduled to take on Galli Galants at the SSC Grounds in Colombo.The five-team competition consists of 24 matches and concludes on August 8.
Sri Lanka Cricket’s response
Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement that it has taken note of Kalra’s arrest and will fully cooperate with the Special Investigations Unit for the Prevention of Sports Related Crimes if any assistance is requested during the investigation.The Board of Directors also confirmed that the tournament will be held as scheduled without any interruption.Reiterating its ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards corruption and unethical practices, Sri Lanka Cricket said it remains committed to protecting the integrity of the Sri Lanka Premier League.
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