Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has reiterated its “zero tolerance” stance on corruption after former India Under-19 World Cup winner and Jaffna Kings co-owner Manjot Kalra was arrested for allegedly trying to lure players into committing corrupt acts during the Sri Lanka Premier League (LPL).In a statement issued hours after Kalra was arrested on Friday, the Island Cricket Board said the ongoing investigation would not affect the conduct of the LPL and pledged “full cooperation” with the police Special Investigations Unit (SIU) to prevent sports-related crime.“Should any assistance be sought in relation to any investigation arising out of this matter, Sri Lanka Cricket will provide its fullest cooperation to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) for the Prevention of Sports Related Crime, in conjunction with the Sri Lanka Premier League 2026,” the SLC said.The board stressed that Friday’s five-team tournament at the SSC Stadium in Colombo will go ahead as planned.
SLC reiterates zero tolerance policy
The SLC reiterated its commitment to protecting the integrity of the competition, saying it will not tolerate corruption, misconduct or misconduct by any stakeholder associated with the league.“As the governing body of the Sri Lanka Premier League 2026, Sri Lanka Cricket reiterates its strong commitment to protecting 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 read.The board added that extensive safeguarding measures had been put in place ahead of the game.According to the SLC, its anti-corruption unit has been working closely with the government’s SIU to strengthen the Union’s anti-corruption framework. It has also appointed Integrity Mentors, an independent anti-corruption and sports integrity organization, to provide professional integrity support and education throughout the competition.The board added: “Sri Lanka Cricket has a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and unethical behavior and will ensure that entirely necessary steps are taken to safeguard the integrity of the Sri Lanka Premier League 2026.”
Kalra remanded in custody
Kalra, 27, was detained by the SIU and later brought before magistrates, who remanded him in custody until July 31, local media reported.Another Indian national named Yuvraj Pushpa was also arrested in connection with the case and was remanded in custody after appearing in court, the Press Trust reported.Police allege Kara tried to offer money to a player linked to the Sri Lanka Premier League. Reports in Sri Lanka say Jaffna Kings players Banuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando and Dunis Velalachi have lodged complaints, triggering an anti-corruption investigation.Kala shot to fame in 2018 when he scored an unbeaten 101 against Australia in the ICC Under-19 World Cup final to guide Prithvi Shaw-led India to the title. The team also included future India internationals Shubman Gill, Arshdeep Singh and Shivam Maavi.After retiring from professional cricket, Kalra entered the world of sports entrepreneurship and became an investor in the Jaffna Kings franchise earlier this year.His arrest took place on the opening day of the Sri Lanka Premier League, a match in which Jaffna Kings were scheduled to face Galantes. While the investigation continues, Sri Lanka Cricket has made it clear that matches will be played without interruption and insisted that strong anti-corruption measures will continue to be taken to protect the credibility of the league.
