Former India U-19 World Cup star Manjot Kalra has been arrested in Sri Lanka on charges linked to match-fixing in the Lanka Premier League (LPL). Authorities allege that Kalra attempted to bribe players to influence match outcomes, a serious violation under Sri Lanka’s sports integrity laws.
Kalra, remembered for his unbeaten century in the 2018 U-19 World Cup final against Australia, was taken into custody in Colombo on July 17, 2026. He was reportedly involved in offering large sums of money to players, prompting swift action by Sri Lanka’s Special Investigation Unit for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports.
The 27-year-old was produced before a magistrate and remanded until July 31, 2026. Another Indian national, Yuvraj Pushpa, was also arrested in connection with the case. Both face charges under Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption laws, which carry severe penalties for attempts to manipulate sporting events.
Kalra’s arrest has shocked the cricketing community, given his reputation as a U-19 hero and his later role as co-owner of the Jaffna Kings franchise in the LPL. Sri Lanka Cricket reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, assuring fans that the league will continue as scheduled despite the scandal.
The incident adds to a growing list of corruption controversies surrounding the LPL, raising concerns about governance and oversight in franchise cricket. Analysts warn that repeated scandals could undermine the credibility of the tournament and damage the reputation of players involved.
