Sri Lanka Police’s Special Investigation Unit arrested one of the Jaffna Kings team owners on suspicion of match-fixing offences. The arrest took place ahead of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) launch under Sri Lanka’s strict anti-corruption laws.
Charges are being filed under the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports Act. This strict piece of legislation explicitly criminalizes any corporate or individual attempt to influence sporting outcomes.
The arrest was made ahead of the official launch of the 2026 Lanka Premier League, which is scheduled to take place today.
Following the arrest and the franchise’s failure to meet contractual obligations, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the IPG Group announced the immediate termination of the Jaffna Kings franchise in the tournament.
The newly appointed ownership group, Sports Commune—led by Indian sports entrepreneurs Manjot Kalra and Mayank Goel—had taken over the franchise just weeks prior to the tournament.
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.
