A co-owner of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) franchise Jaffna Kings has been arrested by the Sri Lanka Police Special Investigation Unit for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports. The arrest came just hours before the official launch of the 2026 Lanka Premier League on Friday.
The arrest has cast a cloud over the upcoming Lanka Premier League season. Police took the Jaffna Kings owner into custody as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged sports corruption and match-fixing. Authorities said the investigation is continuing, with more details expected soon.
LPL Team Owner Arrested; Sri Lanka Enforces Strict Anti-Corruption Sports Laws
According to a report by News Wire, police confirmed that the arrest was made ahead of the official launch of the 2026 Lanka Premier League. Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and that more details will be released once the inquiry progresses.
Sri Lanka has some of the world's strictest anti-corruption laws under the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports Act. The legislation criminalizes match-fixing, spot-fixing, and all other forms of corruption related to professional sports.
Under the law, anyone found guilty of sports corruption can face heavy financial penalties and lengthy prison sentences. The legislation reflects Sri Lanka's strong commitment to protecting the integrity of cricket and other professional sporting competitions.
Who Owns the Jaffna Kings?
The Jaffna Kings franchise is currently owned by Sports Commune, a sports management company led by Indian entrepreneurs Manjot Kalra and Mayank Goel. They took over ownership of the franchise ahead of the LPL 2026 season.
Kalra is known for his unbeaten century in the 2018 ICC Under-19 World Cup final, which helped India lift the title. After retiring from professional cricket, he moved into sports management. Goel is the founder of Softsecure Infotech and Shree Dhyan Insurance Brokers.
The franchise has changed hands several times in the LPL. It debuted as the Jaffna Stallions in 2020 before being rebranded as the Jaffna Kings under the Lyca Group, led by Allirajah Subaskaran. Sri Lanka Cricket ended Lyca Group's ownership in April 2025 after it reportedly failed to meet its franchise obligations.
LPL Set To Begin On Thursday, July 17
The Lanka Premier League will begin on Thursday, July 17, at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), Colombo, with a grand opening ceremony ahead of the tournament opener. The sixth edition of Sri Lanka's T20 league will feature five franchises, top local stars, and several overseas players over a three-week competition.
The opening ceremony includes live musical performances, team introductions, the official trophy reveal, and a spectacular 500-drone light show. Organizers aim to deliver a memorable start to the tournament before the opening match gets underway later in the evening.
The SSC gates will open to fans at 5:00 p.m. (local), while the opening ceremony is scheduled to begin at 6:15 p.m. Notably, the first match of the season will start at 7:45 p.m. The tournament will run until August 8, with franchises competing for the LPL 2026 title.
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