Cricket Shocker! World Cup-Winning Star Manjot Kalra Arrested Before LPL Takes Off

Former India Under-19 World Cup-winning opener Manjot Kalra has been arrested in Sri Lanka over allegations of attempting to induce a player into corrupt practices, sending shockwaves through the cricketing fraternity on the opening day of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026.

According to local media reports, the 27-year-old , who is one of the co-owners of the Jaffna Kings franchise, was taken into custody on Friday by the Police Special Investigation Unit (SIU) for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports . He was later produced before a magistrate and remanded in judicial custody until July 31 .

Another Indian national, identified as Yuvraj Pushpa , was also arrested in connection with the same investigation. He too was produced before the court and remanded.

The arrests came just as the Lanka Premier League 2026 got underway, but Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) maintained that the investigation would not affect the tournament. The board reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and assured fans that the competition would continue under strict integrity measures.

In a statement, SLC said it remains fully committed to protecting the credibility of the tournament and would extend its full cooperation to the investigating authorities. The board added that its Anti-Corruption Unit has been working closely with the government's Special Investigation Unit to strengthen safeguards against unethical practices.

SLC also revealed that it has appointed Integrity Mentors , an independent sports integrity organisation, to provide specialist anti-corruption support, monitoring and education throughout the tournament to ensure a fair and transparent competition.

Kalra rose to national prominence in 2018 after scoring an unbeaten century in the ICC Under-19 World Cup final , helping India lift the title. In recent years, he transitioned from professional cricket to sports entrepreneurship and became an investor in the Jaffna Kings franchise earlier this year.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are yet to reveal further details regarding the allegations.