Manjot Kalra: Bail denied in Lanka Premier League match-fixing case. Former India Under-19 World Cup star Manjot Kalra will remain in custody in Sri Lanka after a Colombo court rejected his early bail plea in the LPL 2026 match-fixing scandal. Kalra and fellow Indian Yuvraj Pushpa were remanded until July 31, with Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama dismissing their application despite defence claims of illness.
The court upheld the prosecution’s argument that the Sri Lanka Police’s Special Investigation Unit is still investigating the case. Kalra’s lawyer sought release on medical grounds, but the magistrate ruled against it, keeping both accused in custody. The case involves allegations that players were approached to manipulate matches in the Lanka Premier League.
Initially, Sri Lanka internationals Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando, and Dunith Wellalage filed complaints. During the hearing, two more cricketers joined the complaint, bringing the total to five. Investigators claim to have recorded phone calls and video evidence. Kalra denies all allegations, saying no bribe was offered and he is cooperating fully.
The scandal has also led to the termination of Jaffna Kings’ franchise agreement with Sports Commune, where Kalra was a co-owner. Tournament organisers IPG and Sri Lanka Cricket took control to ensure the LPL continues smoothly. The 2026 season, running from July 17 to August 8, remains unaffected.
For now, Kalra’s immediate future depends on the investigation’s outcome. His remand continues until July 31, and the LPL match-fixing case remains a major focus in Sri Lankan cricket.