Manjot Kalra's Bail Rejected In Sri Lanka; Set To Remain In Custody

Manjot Kalra [Source: X.com]

Manjot Kalra has remained in the spotlight ever since he was arrested by the Sri Lanka Police in connection with an alleged Lanka Premier League (LPL) match-fixing case. Now, his legal troubles have increased further after a Sri Lankan court denied his bail plea and ordered that he remain in judicial custody while the investigation continues.

Notably, Kalra, who is the co-owner of Jaffna Kings franchise, was arrested by the Sri Lanka Police’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) on July 16. The arrest was made over allegations that he attempted to induce players into corrupt practices ahead of the LPL 2026 season. However, Kalra has strongly denied all the allegations.

Manjot Kalra Denied Bail in Alleged LPL Match-Fixing Case

The latest development in the case is that Manjot Kalra and another Indian national, Yuvraj Pushpa, have both been denied bail by a Sri Lankan court. The two were initially remanded in custody from July 17 to July 31 after their arrest.

During the hearing, their lawyer, K.W.S. Fernando, requested bail on humanitarian grounds, stating that both men were facing health issues while in custody. 

However, the prosecution opposed the request. According to the prosecution, the Sri Lanka Police Special Investigation Unit for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports is still carrying out a detailed investigation, and granting bail at this stage could affect the probe.

After hearing both sides, Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama accepted the prosecution’s arguments. As a result, he rejected the bail application and ordered that both accused continue to remain in remand custody.

How Did The Case Begin?

It is important to note that the alleged incident took place just before the start of the sixth edition of the LPL. According to reports, Sri Lankan international cricketers Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando and Dunith Wellalage approached the Special Investigations Unit after they were allegedly contacted regarding fixing.

In addition, two more local cricketers also filed complaints, which further strengthened the case against the two Indian nationals.

Following the SIU’s instructions, the players reportedly continued communicating with the suspects so that investigators could gather more evidence. According to the police, discussions involved a payment of LKR 11.5 million, out of which LKR 9.5 million was allegedly planned to be paid as an advance.

However, before any payment could be completed, Sri Lankan authorities arrested Manjot Kalra and another individual. Police claimed that the second accused arrived at a pre-decided location carrying a bag containing the alleged advance payment.

Also Read: Trouble For Manjot Kalra! Jay Shah's ICC Gets Directly Involved To Resolve LPL Match Fixing

Manjot Kalra Continues to Deny Allegations

Despite the allegations, Manjot Kalra has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He has repeatedly maintained that he had no involvement in match-fixing or any corrupt activity related to the Lanka Premier League. 

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan authorities have continued their investigation, and further legal proceedings are expected in the coming weeks.

Indian Franchise Owners Who Have Faced Legal Proceedings

Indian businessmen have invested in cricket franchises across several leagues around the world. Although Manjot Kalra’s case is related to alleged sports corruption, there have been other high-profile Indian franchise owners who have faced legal action.

One of the most well-known examples is former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) owner Vijay Mallya.

Notably, Mallya’s United Breweries Group had purchased the IPL franchise in 2008 for $111.6 million. Later, he became the subject of multiple legal proceedings after allegations of fraud linked to the collapse of Kingfisher Airlines, which reportedly owed Indian banks more than a billion dollars.

Also Read: Who Is The Oldest Indian To Make Test Debut As Saransh Jain Earns Maiden Call-Up At 33?