The Jaffna Kings, a franchise in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026, have had their franchise rights terminated by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and tournament organiser Innovative Production Group (IPG). This decision, announced on Thursday, means that all franchise rights have reverted to IPG. Despite the termination, the team will continue its campaign in the tournament, with IPG and SLC assuming complete operational control to ensure the competition proceeds without interruption.
The termination comes amid a series of controversies surrounding the ownership group, Sports Commune. One of the co-owners, Manjot Kalra, was arrested on corruption-related allegations. Another owner, Mayank Goel, has reportedly become unreachable. The ownership group also allegedly failed to meet financial obligations outlined in the franchise agreement, including the payment of player and staff salaries, and is accused of mismanaging sponsor funds. These issues led to the cancellation of the franchise agreement.
Ownership Changes and Continued Participation
Following the termination, IPG and SLC have taken direct control of the team’s operations. The Jaffna Kings will continue to compete under their existing name, retaining their current squad, coaching staff, and support personnel. This measure is intended to maintain stability within the tournament.
Anil Mohan, CEO of IPG, emphasised the organisers’ commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the tournament. He stated that while the decision was difficult, the priority was to protect the LPL’s integrity and ensure stability for players, coaches, partners, and fans. Mohan confirmed that IPG and SLC acted swiftly to ensure the Jaffna Kings‘ continued participation without disruption. He also assured that all operational matters, including player contracts, staff commitments, and team logistics, are being managed seamlessly. The sixth edition of the LPL is set to proceed as planned, with organisers committed to delivering a successful tournament.
Arrest and Investigation Details
Manjot Kalra, a co-owner of the Jaffna Kings, was arrested on Friday by the Police Special Investigations Unit in connection with alleged match-fixing in the LPL. Kalra was a prominent player, known for scoring a match-winning century in the final of the 2018 U-19 World Cup. He later transitioned into sports entrepreneurship and became an investor in the Jaffna Kings franchise earlier this year.
Local reports indicate that the investigation was triggered by a complaint filed by Jaffna Kings players Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando, and Dunith Wellalage. It was alleged that Kalra attempted to offer money to a player participating in the LPL. Following his arrest, local media reported that Kalra was produced before a magistrate and remanded in judicial custody until July 31. Another Indian national, Yuvraj Pushpa, was also detained by the police in connection with the case.
In a statement released on Friday after Kalra’s arrest, Sri Lanka Cricket pledged its full cooperation to the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports. SLC reiterated that the ongoing investigation would not impact the tournament. The governing body of the Lanka Premier League 2026 affirmed its commitment to protecting the tournament’s integrity and stated that it would not tolerate any form of corruption, misconduct, or foul play by any stakeholder associated with the league.
SLC also highlighted that it has implemented all necessary measures to ensure the tournament adheres to the highest ethical and integrity standards. The organisation reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and unethical practices, pledging to take all necessary steps to safeguard the tournament’s integrity. Furthermore, Sri Lanka Cricket’s Anti-Corruption Unit has been collaborating closely with the government’s law enforcement agency, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), to enhance the league’s anti-corruption framework. Additionally, Integrity Mentors, an independent anti-corruption and sports integrity organisation, has been engaged to provide specialist integrity support and education throughout the tournament, aiming to ensure a fair, transparent, and corruption-free environment for the Lanka Premier League 2026.
On the field, the Bhanuka Rajapaksa-led Jaffna Kings have commenced their campaign positively, securing victories in two of their first three matches. The sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League began on July 17 and is scheduled to conclude on August 8.
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
