Overview
- Sri Lanka Police’s Special Investigation Unit detained Manjot Kalra on Friday after a complaint that led investigators to allege he attempted to bribe a player ahead of the Lanka Premier League’s opening match.
- Police say the complaint was lodged by Jaffna Kings players Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando and Dunith Wellalage and that an associate of Kalra was also arrested and produced before a magistrate.
- Authorities reported Kalra was allegedly ‘about to pay’ LKR 9.5 million to influence a player, and he has been remanded while the SIU continues its inquiry.
- Sri Lanka Cricket has pledged its fullest cooperation with investigators and organisers confirmed the LPL would proceed as scheduled, with the tournament running from July 17 to August 8.
- The case highlights Sri Lanka’s 2019 law that criminalises match‑ and spot‑fixing and comes against a history of owner‑related corruption in the LPL, increasing pressure on league governance and public confidence.