LPL co-owner arrested in Sri Lanka ahead of tournament opener

A co-owner of Lanka Premier League (LPL) franchise Jaffna Kings was arrested in Sri Lanka on Friday (July 17) over allegations of attempting to bribe a player, hours before the start of the 2026 season.

Former India Under-19 cricketer Manjot Kalra, best known for his century in India's triumph in the 2018 Under-19 World Cup final, alongside entrepreneur Mayank Goel became part of the Jaffna Kings ownership group earlier this year.

"Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has taken note of the media reports relating to the reported arrest of the owner of the Jaffna Kings franchise by the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports," the board said in a media release.

"Sri Lanka Cricket, together with the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026, will extend its fullest cooperation to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports should any assistance be sought in connection with any inquiry arising from the matter.

"In preparation for the tournament, Sri Lanka Cricket's Anti-Corruption Unit has been working closely with the Government's law enforcement agency, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports, to strengthen the league's anti-corruption framework," the release added.

Sri Lankan authorities allege that the co-owner attempted to offer money to a player in connection with the tournament. Investigators said the approach was reported by the player around 10 days ago, triggering an investigation that culminated in Friday's arrest.

The development comes on the opening day of the tournament, with Jaffna Kings scheduled to face Galle Gallants in the first match at the SSC in Colombo. SLC said the tournament will "proceed as planned without any interruption."

The board also said it has independent "Integrity Mentors" in place for the 2026 edition to ensure a fair tournament. "In addition, Sri Lanka Cricket has engaged Integrity Mentors, an independent anti-corruption and sports integrity organization to provide specialist integrity support and education throughout the tournament, ensuring that the Lanka Premier League 2026 is conducted in a fair, transparent, and corruption-free environment.

"Sri Lanka Cricket has a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and unethical practices and will ensure that all necessary steps are taken to safeguard the integrity of the Lanka Premier League 2026 and ensure that the tournament is conducted with the utmost dignity and integrity."

Click here to read article