LPL match-fixing allegations have led to the arrest and remand of Jaffna Kings co-owner Manjot Kalra ahead of the 2026 tournament.
The LPL match-fixing allegations overshadowed the opening of the 2026 Lanka Premier League after Jaffna Kings co-owner Manjot Kalra and another suspect were remanded over an alleged attempt to manipulate matches.
The Sri Lanka Police Special Investigation Unit for the Prevention of Offences Related to Sports arrested two suspects, including Jaffna Kings co-owner Manjot Kalra, just hours before the start of the 2026 Lanka Premier League (LPL).
Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama ordered Kalra and Indian national Yuvraj Pushpa, who police allege assisted in the operation, to be remanded until July 31 while investigations continue.
Police Detail the Alleged Fixing Attempt
Investigators told court that Manjot Kalra allegedly offered more than US$30,000 to influence the outcome of matches in the upcoming LPL tournament.
According to police, Kalra approached Sri Lankan cricketers Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dunith Wellalage and Avishka Fernando with the proposal.
The three players immediately reported the alleged approach to the Special Investigation Unit.
Following instructions from investigators, the players continued communicating with the suspects as part of a controlled operation.
Police alleged that discussions led to an agreement involving Rs. 11.5 million, with Rs. 9.5 million to be paid in advance.
Investigators further told court that the second suspect arrived at a designated location in Colombo carrying Rs. 9.5 million inside a black bag.
Officers arrested both suspects at the scene.
Police also informed the court that investigators recovered phone recordings and video footage connected to the alleged conspiracy.
Those materials were produced before the court as sealed evidence.
Defence Denies Allegations
Defence lawyers rejected the allegations made against the two suspects.
They argued that Manjot Kalra neither offered money nor made any payment to influence players.
Counsel maintained that the suspects travelled to Sri Lanka solely to promote cricket and requested that the court grant bail.
However, Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama refused the application.
The Magistrate ruled that releasing the suspects at this stage could interfere with the ongoing investigation.
Accordingly, the court ordered both Manjot Kalra and Yuvraj Pushpa to remain in remand custody until July 31.
The LPL match-fixing allegations have drawn significant attention because they surfaced only hours before the opening match of Sri Lanka’s premier franchise cricket tournament.
The police investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations presented in court have not been proven. The suspects are entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until a competent court determines otherwise.
