Sri Lankan cricket breaks silence after Manjot Kalra’s arrest, vows zero tolerance for corruption

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has reaffirmed its ‘zero tolerance’ stance on corruption after former India Under-19 World Cup winner and Jaffna Kings co-owner Manjot Kalra was arrested on charges of trying to induce players to engage in corrupt practices during the Lanka Premier League (LPL).In a statement issued hours after Kalra’s arrest on Friday, the island nation’s cricket board said the ongoing investigation would not affect LPL’s conduct and pledged “full cooperation” with the police’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) to prevent sports-related crime.“Sri Lanka Cricket, along with the Lanka Premier League 2026, will extend their full cooperation to the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) for the prevention of crimes related to sports, should any assistance be requested in relation to any query arising out of this matter,” the SLC said.The board emphasized that the five-team tournament, which began on Friday at the SSC ground in Colombo, would go ahead as planned.

SLC reiterates the zero tolerance policy

The SLC reaffirmed its commitment to protect the integrity of the competition and said it will not tolerate corruption, misconduct or foul play by any stakeholder associated with the league.“As the governing body of the Lanka Premier League 2026, Sri Lanka Cricket reiterates its unwavering commitment to protect the integrity of the tournament and will not tolerate any form of corruption, misconduct or foul play by any stakeholder associated with the league,” the statement said.The Board added that extensive safeguards were already in place before the tournament began.According to the SLC, its anti-corruption unit is working closely with the government’s SIU to strengthen the league’s anti-corruption framework. It has also appointed Integrity Mentors, an independent anti-corruption and sports integrity organisation, to provide specialist integrity support and education throughout the competition.“Sri Lanka Cricket has a zero tolerance approach to corruption and unethical practices and will ensure that all necessary steps are taken to protect the integrity of the Lanka Premier League 2026,” the board added.

Kalra taken into judicial custody

According to local media reports, Kalra (27) was taken into SIU custody and later produced before a magistrate who sent him to judicial custody till July 31.Another Indian national, identified as Yuvraj Pushpa, was also arrested in connection with the case and was arrested after being produced before the court, according to news agency PTI.Police say Kalra tried to offer money to a player associated with the Lanka Premier League. Reports in Sri Lanka said the complaint was lodged by Jaffna Kings players Bhanuk Rajapaksa, Aviska Fernando and Dunith Wellalage, prompting an anti-corruption investigation.Kalra rose to prominence in 2018 when he scored an unbeaten 101 against Australia in the final of the ICC Under-19 World Cup, leading Prithvi Shaw-led India to the title. The team also featured future Indian internationals Shubman Gill, Arshdeep Singh and Shivam Mavi.After leaving professional cricket, Kalra moved into sports business and became an investor in the Jaffna Kings franchise earlier this year.His arrest came on the opening day of the Lanka Premier League, where Jaffna Kings were scheduled to face Galle Gallants. While the investigation continues, Sri Lanka Cricket has made it clear that the tournament will go ahead without interruption and insists that strong anti-corruption measures will remain firmly in place to protect the league’s credibility.