Manjot Kalra and Jay Shah (Source: X and AFP)
It seems that former India U19 World Cup winner Manjot Kalra's troubles have deepened after the Jay Shah's International Cricket Council (ICC) has stepped into the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL) match-fixing investigation.
Kalra, who was a minority shareholder and co-owner of the Jaffna Kings franchise, was arrested by Sri Lanka Police's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) on July 16 over allegations of attempting to induce players into corrupt practices ahead of the LPL 2026 season.
However, Kalra has strongly denied all allegations and has maintained his innocence throughout the investigation, and denied any involvement in match-fixing or corruption.
The Colombo Magistrate's Court has remanded him until July 31, refusing to grant bail as authorities continue their investigation.
What Happened In Manjot Kalra Case?
Manjot Kalra allegedly approached Sri Lankan international cricketers Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dunith Wellalage and Avishka Fernando before the start of the LPL 2026 season.
The players, who are associated with Jaffna Kings, were allegedly offered more than USD 30,000 each to influence the outcome of upcoming matches.
Also Read: Jaffna Kings Sign Unsold Bangladesh Star For LPL 2026 Stint
Interestingly, instead of accepting the alleged offer, the three players immediately informed Sri Lanka’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) about the approach.
Police claim that discussions involved a total payment of LKR 11.5 million, with LKR 9.5 million planned as an advance. Before the advance payment could be completed, authorities allegedly arrested Manjot Kalra and another Indian national.
Jay Shah's ICC Anti-Corruption Chief Meets Sports Minister Over LPL Fixing Probe
It is vital to note that the investigation has now attracted the attention of the Jay Shah's ICC Anti-Corruption Unit, with ICC ACU chief Andrew Ephgrave and Independent Chair Sumathi Dharmawardhana holding high-level discussions with Sri Lanka's Sports Minister Kumara Gamage and Sports Investigation Unit head ASP Chanaka de Silva.
"ICC Anti-Corruption Unit head Andrew Ephgrave and Independent Chair of the International Cricket Council Anti-Corruption Unit Sumathi Dharmawardhana, PC, met Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage and Sports Investigation Unit head ASP Chanaka de Silva to discuss the ongoing probe and possible ICC assistance" as per Newswire.
"The meeting follows the arrest of Jaffna Kings co-owner Manjot Kalra and another Indian national last week over allegations of attempting to induce players to fix matches."
"The suspects were reportedly arrested with Rs. 9.5 million in cash" the report added.
The meeting focused on how the ICC can support Sri Lankan authorities with technical expertise and anti-corruption resources as the investigation progresses.
With the Jay Shah's ICC now directly involved through its Anti-Corruption Unit, the investigation is expected to remain under intense scrutiny in the coming weeks.
Not the First Time, Sri Lanka Cricket Again Comes Under ICC Scrutiny
It is important to note that this is not the first time the ICC has looked into SL Cricket's governance. In May 2026, a high-level ICC team, including former Deputy Chair Imran Khwaja and BCCI official Devajit Saikia, visited Sri Lanka.
They met with stakeholders to review governance issues after the Sri Lankan government set up an interim Transformation Committee following the resignation of the previous SLC board.
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