Ex-India U-19 WC hero stays behind bars after bail denied in match-fixing case

NEW DELHI: Former India Under-19 World Cup-winning star Manjot Kalra will remain in custody in Sri Lanka after a Colombo court rejected his plea for early bail in connection with an alleged match-fixing case linked to the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026.Kalra, who shot to fame with his match-winning century in the 2018 Under-19 World Cup final, and fellow Indian national Yuvraj Pushpa had approached the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court seeking relief after being remanded until July 31 following their arrests earlier this month. However, Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama dismissed the application, allowing the existing remand order to continue as investigators pursue the high-profile corruption probe.Court rejects medical grounds for bailAccording to PTI, defence counsel K.W.S. Fernando sought the release of both accused on medical grounds, telling the court that Kalra and Pushpa were unwell.The prosecution opposed the plea, arguing that the investigation being carried out by the Sri Lanka Police's Special Investigation Unit (SIU) for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports was still in progress. Accepting the prosecution's submissions, the magistrate declined to grant bail, ensuring that both accused remain in custody until at least July 31.The latest ruling marks another setback for Kalra, who has been at the centre of one of the biggest controversies to hit the sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League.Match-fixing allegations widen as more players join complaintThe case stems from allegations that attempts were made to influence players participating in LPL 2026 to manipulate matches.Sri Lanka internationals Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando and Dunith Wellalage initially lodged complaints with investigators. During Monday's hearing, the court was informed that two additional Sri Lankan cricketers had since joined the complaint, taking the total number of players involved in the case to five.Investigators had earlier informed the court that multiple players were allegedly approached with proposals relating to match-fixing. According to submissions made during the initial remand proceedings, the players alerted the Sports Corruption Investigation Unit and continued communicating with the suspects under the investigators' instructions.Authorities have also claimed to possess recorded telephone conversations and video evidence connected to the alleged approaches. However, Kalra's defence has denied all allegations, maintaining that there is no evidence showing he offered or paid any bribe.Following his arrest, Kalra had issued a statement asserting that he was fully cooperating with investigators and remained confident that the facts would establish his innocence.Jaffna Kings ownership terminated amid ongoing investigationThe controversy has also triggered significant developments off the field.Last week, Lanka Premier League commercial rights holder Innovative Production Group (IPG), in consultation with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), terminated the franchise agreement with Sports Commune, the ownership group behind Jaffna Kings, citing its failure to fulfil financial obligations.Kalra had become a co-owner of the franchise alongside entrepreneur Mayank Goel. Following the termination, IPG and Sri Lanka Cricket assumed full financial and operational control of the franchise to ensure the tournament continued without disruption.Tournament organisers confirmed that Jaffna Kings would continue under the same name, with no changes to their squad, fixtures or coaching staff. They also reiterated that the ongoing investigation involving Kalra would not affect the conduct of the tournament.The Lanka Premier League 2026, featuring five franchises across 24 matches, began on July 17 and is scheduled to conclude on August 8. While the tournament continues on the field, Kalra's immediate future now hinges on the outcome of the ongoing investigation, with his remand set to continue until July 31.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.