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Former India U19 World Cup-winning batter Manjot Kalra made his first public comment after he was charged with match-fixing during the 2026 Lanka Premier League (LPL).

Kalra, Jaffna Kings co-owner, was produced before the Colombo Magistrate's Court after being taken into custody by the authorities in connection with the investigation.

In a statement issued July 19 from his home in New Delhi, Kalra denied all charges against him. In addition, he said he was cooperating completely with the investigation and is sanguine that the facts will prove his innocence.

The official statement said:

"As the matter is currently under investigation, Mr Kalra will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities and will refrain from making any further comments at this stage. He remains confident that the truth will prevail."

The release further stated that Kalra's attorney is representing him and attempting to dispute the accusations against him.

The statement added:

"Senior Counsel Mr K Wasantha S Fernando, Attorney at Law and his able team of Junior Attorneys at Law are currently taking care of his interest and have expressed the confidence in disproving and negating the allegations leveled against Mr Kalra and will ensure all possible steps are taken within the provisions of law to bring all perpetrators involved in fixing Mr Kalra into this undesired situation to light while assisting law enforcement officers and Honorable Court to arrive at Justice in the right manner."

Also Read | Sri Lanka Cricket Issues Statement After Ex-India U19 Star Arrested In Alleged LPL Match-Fixing Scam

The scandal was revealed after the first match of the LPL 26 season, where Jaffna Kings played against Galle Gladiators, with Jaffna losing by 36 runs.

As reported, Kalra is also said to have made offers of money to certain franchise players of his own, such as Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dunith Wellalage and Avishka Fernando, to try and affect the result of matches.

According to the authorities, the sum of more than USD 30,000 is alleged to have been offered under the match-fixing conspiracy. It was revealed that investigators have evidence to substantiate the allegations as well.

Kalra's lawyer vehemently refuted the allegations in Court and maintained that there was "no evidence to suggest any criminal intention on his part". The Magistrate's Court refused to grant Kalra bail, saying "[b]ail at this stage will adversely affect the investigation."

Since the trial court verdict, Sri Lankan police announced that Kazra will be in judicial remand up to 31st July.

There is an unresolved inquiry, and no definitive conclusion has been reached. While there is still some investigation being conducted on the matter, Kalra has proclaimed his innocence and vowed to totally assist with the legal proceedings until the matter is concluded.