Table of Contents
Jaffna Kings have faced termination in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026. They have been banned from taking part in the upcoming edition of the tournament due to their match-fixing scandal involving former India U19 opener and co-owner of the franchise Manjot Kalra. The participation rights have been terminated by Sri Lanka Cricket and Innovative Production Group on Thursday.
Manjot Kalra, the co-owner of the Jaffna Kings, was arrested by Sri Lanka Police over an alleged match-fixing approach made to a player. The former India U-19 World Cup winner was arrested for trying to influence the player to manipulate the matches, as he was taken into custody by the Sri Lanka police while trying to pay INR 9.5 million (approximately US$28,700) to a player.
Why was Manjot Kalra arrested?
The special unit appointed by the government arrested the co-owner of Jaffna Kings, as it was claimed that he had contacted them 10 days earlier, sparking an inquiry that led to the arrest. Kalra might have appeared before Colombo Magistrate's Court and has been remanded by the Magistrate's Court in Colombo until July 31.
Kalra was appointed as the co-owner of the franchise ahead of the LPL 2026. But this is a huge setback for the franchise and also the former cricketer, as previously also he was involved in an age-fraud controversy, which led him out of cricket for months and ended his talented career abruptly.
Why Jaffna Kings' agreement terminated?
However, the termination of the franchise has come due to the franchisee's inability to meet its financial commitments in the franchise agreement, as Kalra was arrested and the other owner was missing. Due to this, IPG has reclaimed the rights to the Jaffna Kings franchise, and the franchise will be fully operational and controlled by Sri Lanka Cricket and IPG.
"While this was a difficult decision, our priority has always been to protect the integrity of the Lanka Premier League and ensure complete stability for our players, coaches, partners, and fans," Anil Mohan, CEO, IPG, said.
"Together with Sri Lanka Cricket, we have acted swiftly to ensure the Jaffna Kings continue to participate in the tournament without disruption. We want to assure everyone that all operational matters, including player contracts, staff commitments, and team logistics, are being managed seamlessly."
Will the LPL be affected by Jaffna Kings' termination?
Anil Mohan stated that despite the termination, there will be no changes in the LPL schedule or fixtures; it will be happening as scheduled, and they are planning to successfully conduct the tournament.
"The sixth edition of the LPL will proceed as planned, and we remain fully committed to delivering another successful and world-class tournament."
Kings won two out of three games this season, and they are playing their fourth match tonight against the Galle Titans. They have to chase a target of 194 runs to get their third victory of the tournament and will look to secure the top 2 spots on the table. They are the four-time champions of the tournament.
