Manjot Kalra Breaks Silence On Match-Fixing Allegations In Sri Lanka

Manjot Kalra Breaks Silence On LPL 2026 Match-Fixing Allegation [Source: X]

Former India U19 World Cup-winning player Manjot Kalra, who later became a co-owner of the Jaffna Kings franchise in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026, has been arrested in Sri Lanka over alleged match-fixing and corruption.

He has been remanded in judicial custody until July 31, meaning he will remain in custody while the investigation continues. As the case proceeds and the media trial gains momentum, Kalra has issued his statement.

Manjot Kalra denies fixing attempt in LPL

According to the authorities, Manjot Kalra reportedly approached three Jaffna Kings players, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dunith Wellalage and Avishka Fernando to fix LPL games for USD 30,000.

However, Kalra has firmly denied the accusations. In an official statement, he said that he is fully cooperating with investigators and that facts will prove his innocence. 

The ex-cricketer added that he became a minority owner of Jaffna Kings in good faith, and the league had conducted due diligence before approving his ownership. 

"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," the statement made on his behalf read.

According to Manjot Kalra, he is completely innocent, as there is no proof of any offered or paid bribe. But despite his plea, the court rejected his bail, meaning Kalra will have to serve time in judicial custody.

"Senior Counsel Mr K Wasantha S Fernando,  Attorney at Law and his able team of Junior Attorneys at Law are currently taking care of his interest and have expressed the confidence in disproving and negating the allegations leveled against Mr Kalra and will ensure all possible steps are taken within the provisions of law to bring all perpetrators involved in fixing Mr Kalra into this undesired situation to light while assisting law enforcement officers and Honorable Court to arrive at Justice in the right manner." 

"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," the statement further said.

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How did Manjot Kalra get caught?

Interestingly, the three players who were reportedly approached by Manjot Kalra in the LPL informed Sri Lanka's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) about the alleged fixing attempt.

Acting on the SIU's instructions, the players allegedly continued communicating with the suspects to help investigators gather evidence. As per the police, a payment of LKR 11.5 million was discussed between the accused and the players.

LKR 9.5 million was to be paid as an advance. But before that could happen, the local police arrested Kalra and another individual when the second person allegedly arrived with a bag containing the advance payment at a pre-arranged location. 

Now, the authorities claim that they have evidence against Manjot Kalra, such as recordings of phone conversations and video evidence. As a result, the Colombo Magistrate refused to grant bail because it believed releasing Kalra at this stage could affect the ongoing investigation. 

Who is Manjot Kalra?

Manjot Kalra is a former Indian cricketer who won the 2018 U19 World Cup under the captaincy of Prithvi Shaw and the guidance of coach Rahul Dravid. 

He produced the defining knock of his career in the final against Australia, smashing an unbeaten 101 off 102 balls to guide India to an emphatic title victory. 

His U19 heroics earned him an IPL contract as the Delhi Daredevils signed him for a nominal price. However, controversies eventually derailed his career before it could take off.

In 2020, the DDCA suspended Kalra for one year after an inquiry found him guilty of submitting an altered birth certificate during his junior cricket days. 

After moving away from professional cricket, Manjot Kalra ventured into franchise cricket as a businessman. He became a minority co-owner of the Jaffna Kings in the Lanka Premier League, partnering with entrepreneur Mayank Goel.

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