Jaffna Kings terminated from LPL 2026 mid-season due to co-owner’s arrest and financial breaches. The team will continue playing under the same name and squad.
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, stems from alleged financial and contractual breaches by the ownership group, Sports Commune. Despite the termination, the team will continue its participation in the tournament under the same name, squad, and staff.
The termination occurred mid-tournament following controversies surrounding the ownership group. Manjot Kalra, a co-owner of the Jaffna Kings, was arrested on corruption-related allegations. Another owner, Mayank Goel, is reportedly unreachable. The ownership group also allegedly failed to meet financial obligations, including paying player and staff salaries and mismanaging sponsor funds, leading to the cancellation of the franchise agreement.
Ownership Changes and Tournament Continuity
Following the termination, IPG and SLC have taken direct control of the team’s operations. This measure ensures that the Jaffna Kings will continue in the LPL 2026 without disruption. The four-time champions will proceed with their existing squad, coaching staff, and support personnel.
IPG CEO Anil Mohan emphasised the organisers’ commitment to safeguarding the tournament’s integrity. He stated that while the decision was difficult, the priority was to protect the Lanka Premier League and ensure stability for all involved parties, including players, coaches, partners, and fans. Mohan assured that all operational matters, such as player contracts, staff commitments, and team logistics, are being managed seamlessly. The sixth edition of the LPL, which began on July 17 and is scheduled to conclude on August 8, will proceed as planned.
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, who was a key player in India‘s 2018 U-19 World Cup victory, was reportedly detained after a complaint was filed by Jaffna Kings players Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando, and Dunith Wellalage. The complaint alleged that Kalra attempted to offer money to an LPL player.
Local media reports indicate 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. Sri Lanka Cricket released a statement pledging its full cooperation with the Police Special Investigation Unit (SIU) for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports, reiterating that the ongoing investigation would not impact the tournament.
SLC affirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of the tournament and maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, misconduct, or foul play. The organisation stated that its Anti-Corruption Unit has been working closely with the government’s law enforcement agency, the SIU, to strengthen the league’s anti-corruption framework. Additionally, Integrity Mentors, an independent anti-corruption and sports integrity organisation, has been engaged to provide specialist 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 had a positive start to their campaign, securing two victories in their first three matches.
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
