The Lanka Premier League’s Jaffna Kings franchise has been taken over by tournament rights holder Innovative Production Group and Sri Lanka Cricket after the team’s ownership agreement with Sports Commune was terminated.
Jaffna Kings co-owner was arrested before the LPL season opener
The decision follows the arrest of co-owner Manjot Kalra and the franchise’s failure to meet its financial obligations. Kalra, a former India Under-19 World Cup final centurion, was arrested in Sri Lanka over allegations of attempting to bribe a player.
Kalra was arrested hours before the 2026 LPL season began after allegedly attempting to pay LKR 9.5 million to influence a player. A player reportedly reported the approach around 10 days earlier, while two others were also allegedly contacted. He remains in judicial custody until July 31.
“As a result, all rights relating to the Jaffna Kings franchise have reverted to IPG, which, together with Sri Lanka Cricket, has assumed full operational control of the team,” IPG said in a statement.
IPG and SLC have taken over all player, coaching and support-staff contracts. The move came after Sports Commune failed to distribute sponsorship funds, with players wearing black tape over sponsor logos on their shirts during a match on July 22.
According to Cricinfo, emergency funds have since been used to clear approximately 90 per cent of outstanding salaries owed to players and staff. IPG said it would settle the remaining balances according to contractual timelines.
The financial problems followed Kalra’s arrest, which disrupted the franchise’s commercial structure. Under the existing arrangement, sponsors paid the franchise owners directly, who were then responsible for distributing salaries.
The other co-owner, entrepreneur Mayank Goel, has reportedly not been contactable after arriving in Sri Lanka in recent days.
Jaffna Kings will continue to compete under the same name, with no changes to the squad, tournament format or match schedule. The team’s next game is on July 26, against Kandy Royals.
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