Manjot Kalra Arrested: Former Shubman Gill Teammate Faces Match-Fixing Allegations

July 18, 2026: Former India Under-19 World Cup winner Manjot Kalra has been arrested in Sri Lanka over serious corruption and match-fixing allegations linked to the Lanka Premier League (LPL). Kalra, who was part of India's victorious 2018 Under-19 World Cup squad alongside Shubman Gill and Prithvi Shaw, is accused of attempting to bribe players representing the Jaffna Kings franchise.

According to reports, Kalra, who acquired a stake in the Jaffna Kings earlier this year, allegedly approached players with financial offers in exchange for carrying out his instructions during LPL matches. The allegations have shocked the cricketing fraternity, especially given Kalra's background as a former cricketer.

The case came to light after three Sri Lankan international cricketers—Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando and Dunith Wellalage—filed complaints with Sri Lanka Cricket. Following the complaints, the country's Anti-Corruption Unit launched an investigation, while the police also formed a special team to probe the matter.

Sri Lankan Police Launch Investigation After Players' Complaint

After nearly 10 days of investigation, Sri Lankan police arrested Kalra on Friday. He was later produced before a local court as legal proceedings began.

Authorities are investigating allegations that Kalra attempted to influence players through financial incentives. Officials are expected to continue their investigation to determine the full extent of the alleged corruption network and whether more people were involved.

🚨LPL HIT WITH CONTROVERSY🚨

Ex-India U19 cricketer Manjot Kalra has been arrested over allegations of attempting to bribe players in the Lanka Premier League #ManjotKalra #LankaPremierLeaguehttps://t.co/RXujQPqBjO

— India Today Sports (@ITGDsports) July 17, 2026

Kalra has not yet been convicted, and the allegations remain under investigation.

Manjot Kalra rose to prominence during the 2018 ICC Under-19 World Cup. He played a match-winning unbeaten century in the final against Australia, helping India lift the title under captain Prithvi Shaw. Shubman Gill, who was named Player of the Tournament, was another key member of that successful Indian side.

Following the World Cup, Kalra earned opportunities in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League. However, his cricketing career did not progress as many had expected.

The latest allegations have now placed the former youth star in the spotlight for reasons far removed from his achievements on the cricket field. As the investigation continues, cricket authorities are expected to closely monitor the case, which has once again raised concerns about corruption in franchise cricket.