Former India Under-19 player Manjot Kalra, who is accused of influencing matches in Sri Lanka’s Lanka Premier League 2026 (LPL 2026) season, has issued an official statement regarding the allegations against him, following which the police took him into custody and produced him before the court. Magistrate’s Court in Colombo.
In an official statement issued on July 19, Manjot Kalra denied all the allegations against him. Jaffna Kings, co-owner of the LPL franchise, said that he is fully cooperating in the investigation process and believes that all the facts and information will prove his innocence in this case.
Accused Manjot Kalra has denied all the allegations against him.
The statement also confirms that a team of experts is taking care of all the legal proceedings to ensure that all possible steps are taken to protect Kalra.
The official statement published recently said, “As the matter is still under investigation, Mr. Kalra will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities and will refrain from making any further comments at this stage. He is confident that the truth will emerge.”
The statement further read, “Senior Counsel Mr. K Vasantha S. Fernando, Advocate at Law and his competent team of Junior Advocates at Law are currently taking care of his interest and have expressed confidence in deposing and denying the allegations leveled against Mr. Kalra and will ensure that all possible steps are taken under the provisions of law to bring to light all the criminals involved in trapping Mr. Kalra in this undesirable situation, as well as to ensure justice to the law enforcement authorities and the Honorable Court in the right manner.” be helped to reach.”
Detailed back story related to Manjot Kalra and Lanka Premier League franchise Jaffna Kings
news of Kalra’s arrest on Friday made headlines ahead of the start of the 2026 season of the Lanka Premier League. The first match of LPL 2026 was between Jaffa Kings of Kalra and Galle Gallants. Kings lost this match by 36 runs.
It has been claimed that Jaffa Kings co-owner Manjot Kalra had tried to influence some players of his own team with the help of money. According to media reports, among the players participating in the league, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Sri Lankan national players Dunith Velalej and Avishka Fernando were contacted by Kalra.
Interestingly, all these cricketers are registered players of Jaffna Kings. It is alleged that the former India Under-19 player tried to influence the outcome of the match by offering huge amount of money to the players.
Court rejected the bail of Manjot Kalra
Investigators noted that Manjor Kalra had offered more than US$30,000 to influence the outcome of the Games. The investigators also claimed that they had enough information and evidence that would prove the charges.
However, Manjot Kalra’s defense lawyer denied all the allegations and said that there was no proper evidence that could prove that Kalra had bad intentions. The defense lawyer sought bail, but the court refused to do so saying that bail could affect the investigation process.
Sri Lanka Police has confirmed that Kalra will remain in remand till July 31 as per the court order.
