India’s U-19 World Cup-winning star arrested for allegedly trying to bribe player | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Former India Under-19 World Cup winner Manjot Kalra was arrested by sports anti-corruption investigators in Sri Lanka on Friday over allegations of trying to bribe a player during the Lanka Premier League (LPL), according to news agency PTI.Kalra, who scored a match-winning century in the final of India’s 2018 ICC Under-19 World Cup campaign, was arrested by the Police Special Investigation Unit for the Prevention of Offenses Relating to Sports. He was later brought before a magistrate.The 27-year-old was part of India’s title-winning 2018 Under-19 World Cup squad led by Prithvi Shaw. The team also features upcoming Indian internationals Shubman Gill, Arshdeep Singh and Shivam Mavi. Kalra was the hero in the final, remaining unbeaten on 101 as India defeated Australia to lift the trophy.According to the Sri Lankan police, Kalra is accused of offering money to a player associated with the Lankan Premier League.The arrest happened a few hours before the start of the tournament. Kalra is one of the co-owners of the Jaffna Kings franchise.

Alleged bribery

The 27-year-old, who switched to sports entrepreneurship after his playing career, became an investor in the Jaffna Kings franchise earlier this year. According to investigators, the player who was allegedly approached informed authorities about the incident about 10 days ago, which ultimately led to Kalra’s arrest on Friday.Police said the complaint was lodged by Sri Lankan cricketers Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando and Dunith Wellalage. All three represent the Jaffna Kings in the LPL.Kalra’s arrest came on the opening day of the 2026 Lanka Premier League, where Jaffna Kings were scheduled to take on Galle Gallants at the SSC Grounds in Colombo.The five-team competition consists of 24 matches and ends on August 8.

Sri Lanka Cricket Answers

In a statement, Sri Lanka Cricket said it is aware of the reported arrest of Kalra and will fully cooperate with the Special Investigations Unit for the Prevention of Crimes Related to Sports if any assistance is sought during the investigation.The board also said that the tournament will go ahead as scheduled without any interruption.Reiterating its “zero-tolerance” policy on corruption and unethical practices, Sri Lanka Cricket said it remains committed to protecting the integrity of the Lanka Premier League.