India’s U-19 World Cup star arrested for allegedly trying to bribe players | Cricket news

NEW DELHI: Former India Under-19 World Cup winner Manjot Kalra was arrested on Friday by Sri Lankan sports anti-corruption investigators on charges of attempting to bribe players during the Lanka Premier League (LPL), according to news agency PTI.Kalra, who scored a match-winning century in the final of India’s victorious ICC Under-19 World Cup 2018, was taken into custody by the Police’s Special Investigations Unit for the Prevention of Offenses Related to Sports. He was later brought before a magistrate.The 27-year-old was part of India’s 2018 U19 World Cup title-winning squad led by Prithvi Shaw. Future Indian internationals Shubman Gill, Arshdeep Singh and Shivam Mavi were also in the team. Kalra was the hero of the final, remaining unbeaten on 101 as India beat Australia to lift the trophy.According to the Sri Lankan police, Kalra is accused of offering money to a player in connection with the Lanka Premier League.The arrest came just a few hours before the start of the tournament. Kalra is one of the co-owners of the Jaffna Kings franchise.

Alleged attempted bribery

The 27-year-old, who devoted himself to sports entrepreneurship after his playing career, became an investor in the Jaffna Kings franchise at the beginning of this year. According to investigators, the player who was allegedly approached reported the incident to authorities about 10 days later, which eventually led to Kalra’s arrest on Friday.Police said the complaint was lodged by Sri Lankan cricketers Bhanuk 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 Lankan 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 games and will end on August 8.

Sri Lankan cricket’s answer

In a statement, Sri Lanka Cricket said it has taken cognizance of the report of Kalra’s arrest and will fully cooperate with the Sports Crime Prevention Special Investigation Unit if any assistance is requested during the investigation.The board also said that the tournament will go ahead as planned without any disruption.Reiterating its “zero tolerance” policy towards corruption and unethical practices, Sri Lanka Cricket said it remains committed to protecting the integrity of the Lankan Premier League.