Former India Under-19 player Manjot Kalra has been remanded in custody until July 31 by a Colombo Magistrate’s Court following his arrest on corruption charges related to the 2026 Lanka Premier League season.
Kalra, a co-owner of the Jaffna Kings, was taken into custody on July 17, just before the season’s commencement, alongside co-owner Mayank Goel, on allegations involving match-fixing.
The court was informed that Kalra allegedly approached Jaffna Kings players Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dunith Wellalage, and Avishka Fernando, offering bribes exceeding USD 30,000 to manipulate match outcomes. The players reportedly hold voice recordings and video evidence to substantiate these claims.
While the defense counsel denied all allegations, citing a lack of evidence, bail requests were denied to ensure the integrity of the ongoing investigation. Kalra has denied the charges, and his legal representatives have issued a statement affirming his full cooperation with the judicial process.
“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.
According to reports, after being approached by Kalra, the players contacted the Sri Lanka Police’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports. Following SIU instructions, they negotiated a payment of LKR 11.5 million, including an advance of LKR 9.5 million. Police arrested Kalra and another associate when the latter arrived at the designated location with the advance payment.
“Senior Counsel Mr K Wasantha S Fernando, Attorney at Law and his team of Junior Attorneys at Law are currently representing his interests. They have expressed confidence in disproving and negating the allegations leveled against Mr Kalra and will ensure all possible legal steps are taken to expose those involved in the fixing attempt that led to Mr Kalra’s involvement, while assisting law enforcement and the Honorable Court in achieving justice,” the statement continued.
