Colombo, Sri Lanka: Former India Under-19 World Cup star and Jaffna Kings co-owner, Manjot Kalra, was on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, denied bail by a Colombo court, extending his remand until July 31 in connection with an alleged match-fixing scandal plaguing the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026. The 27-year-old, known for his unbeaten century in India’s 2018 U-19 World Cup final triumph, was arrested earlier this month and faces serious accusations of attempting to influence LPL matches.
Bail Plea Rejected
Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama rejected the bail application filed by Kalra and fellow Indian national Yuvraj Pushpa. Their defence counsel, K.W.S. Fernando, had sought their release on medical grounds, citing health concerns while in custody.
However, the prosecution vehemently opposed the plea, emphasizing that the investigation by the Sri Lanka Police’s Special Investigation Unit for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports is still in its crucial stages. Granting bail at this juncture, the prosecution argued, could impede the ongoing probe. Following arguments from both sides, the magistrate allowed the existing remand order to continue.
Widening Investigation
Kalra and Pushpa were initially remanded in custody from July 17 to July 31, following their arrests on July 17, 2026, the day the LPL 2026 season opener commenced. The case stems from allegations that players participating in the sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League were approached with proposals to manipulate matches.
Initially, three Sri Lankan international cricketers, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando, and Dunith Wellalage, lodged complaints with investigators. The court was informed during the latest proceedings that two more local cricketers have since joined the complaint, bringing the total number of players involved to five.
Investigators have also informed the court of possessing recorded telephone conversations and video evidence related to the alleged approaches. While the defence has denied the accusations, maintaining that there is no evidence of Kalra offering a bribe, the prosecution claims discussions involved a payment of LKR 9.5 million.
LPL 2026 Context
The controversy has cast a shadow over the Lanka Premier League 2026, which commenced on July 17 and is scheduled to conclude on August 8. Manjot Kalra’s team, Jaffna Kings, has also seen recent turmoil, with its franchise agreement terminated on July 23 by LPL commercial rights holder Innovative Production Group. This termination, made in consultation with Sri Lanka Cricket, was due to the team’s failure to meet financial obligations. Despite this, the Jaffna Kings continue to compete under the same name and with the same squad and schedule.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and affirmed its full cooperation with the Special Investigation Unit, ensuring the tournament proceeds as planned with integrity.
Manjot Kalra’s immediate future hinges on the ongoing investigation, with his continued detention underscoring the seriousness of the charges. The cricket world awaits further developments in this high-profile case.