The organisers of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) have terminated the franchise agreement with the owners of Jaffna Kings, with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and tournament rights holder IPG taking full control of the team to ensure the tournament continues without disruption.
The move comes just days after Jaffna Kings co-owner and former India Under-19 batter Manjot Kalra was arrested by Sri Lanka Police’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports on suspicion of match-fixing on the opening day of the 2026 LPL.
Kalra had joined entrepreneur Mayank Goel as co-owner of the franchise. However, IPG clarified that the franchise agreement was terminated because the owners failed to meet their financial obligations.
Following the termination, all rights to the Jaffna Kings franchise have reverted to IPG, which is now running the team jointly with Sri Lanka Cricket.
The organisers confirmed that there will be no impact on the ongoing tournament. Jaffna Kings will continue to play under the same name, with no changes to the squad, fixtures or competition format.
“The termination follows the franchisee’s inability to fulfil its financial obligations under the terms of the franchise agreement. 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.
“To ensure the uninterrupted operation of the franchise, IPG and Sri Lanka Cricket have taken complete responsibility for all player, coaching staff, and support staff contracts. The organisers also confirm that all logistical arrangements for the team have been secured, ensuring the squad is intact for the tournament,” IPG said in an official statement.
IPG also revealed that around 90 per cent of payments due to players and support staff have already been made, with the remaining payments to be cleared as per the existing contracts.
“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. Together with Sri Lanka Cricket, we have acted swiftly to ensure the Jaffna Kings continue to participate in the tournament without disruption,” the statement added.