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Just before the start of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026, the tournament has been embroiled in a major controversy. from sri lanka Sports Anti Corruption Unit (SIU) Former India Under-19 cricketer and Jaffna Kings Franchise Co-Owner Manjot Kalra Has been arrested. He is accused of allegedly bribing a player.

This action took place at a time when LPL 2026 beginning of 17th July It is happening since. According to local media reports, there has been a stir in the entire tournament after the arrest.

post event Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) issued a statement saying that it will provide all possible cooperation to the agencies investigating the case. The board made it clear that it will take action against corruption, match fixing or any kind of irregularity in cricket. zero tolerance policy And strict action will be taken against those found guilty.

SLC said- will give full cooperation in the investigation

The Sri Lanka Cricket Board said in its statement that after receiving information about the arrest of the Jaffna Kings owner, the board and the Lanka Premier League management will provide all possible cooperation in the police investigation. The Board reiterated that maintaining fairness in cricket is its top priority and strict action will be taken against match-fixing or any form of dishonesty.

Who is the owner of Jaffna Kings?

Before this season, ‘Sports Commune’ company had acquired the Jaffna Kings franchise. The owners of the company are Mayank Goyal and former India Under-19 team player Manjot Kalra.

According to reports, after this arrest, questions are also being raised on the background verification of the team owners. This is said to be the third time in the last two years that police action has been taken against the owner of a franchise to LPL on charges of corruption or fixing.

Vijay Shankar will also play LPL 2026

Former Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar will also participate in LPL 2026. He has signed with Kandy Royals and will be the only Indian player to play this season. Along with him, England’s Moeen Ali and Bangladesh’s experienced all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan are also part of this team.

Before Vijay Shankar, Irfan Pathan and Munaf Patel have played for this franchise in the year 2020.

LPL director gave a big statement

LPL director Samantha Dodanwella said that the league adopts a complete ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards corruption and match-fixing cases. He said that if irregularities are found at any level, immediate action will be taken.

He also said that Sri Lanka is among the few countries where there is a provision for direct legal action and arrest in cases to sports fixing and corruption.

The opening match will be held on time

Despite the arrest, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board has clarified that there will be no change in the schedule of LPL 2026. The opening match between Jaffna Kings and Galle Gallants will be played at the scheduled time on 17th July at the SSC Ground in Colombo.