Shaheen Afridi’s LPL Controversy Explained: Complaint, Apology and Corruption Arrest Shake League

Pakistan speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi was in for trouble in the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 after allegedly reporting a team management mix-up to the LPL anti-corruption unit. The Pakistan speedster missed his team’s match against Colombo Capitals while playing for Kandy Royals as he was named as an ‘Impact Player’ but later found out that he was left out of the team sheet due to an administrative error.

Afridi was allegedly supposed to be an impact player for Kandy Royals in their match against Colombo Capitals, but he missed out on the game due to his name being omitted from the team sheet.

Shaheen Afridi stays after apology as LPL hit by fresh corruption controversy

Reports from Pakistan stated that Kandy Royals’ head coach apologized to Afridi during the team’s batting innings for leaving him out, saying that the decision was based on an error on the part of the team analyst.

The player further alleged that he was so frustrated by the snub that he complained to the league authorities and the LPL’s anti-corruption unit.

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Shaheen Afridi added that he returned to Pakistan after the game but decided to stay after he was assured by the franchise management and the league authorities.

The 26-year-old came out to bat for the Kandy Royals in their following match against Jaffna Kings and put up a spectacular all-around display, claiming three wickets while hitting a quick 22-ball 22 to help Kandy Royals avoid another loss at the bottom of the table.

The Lanka Premier League (LPL) has been tainted by a separate scandal involving Jaffna Kings co-owner and former India Under-19 international Manjot Kalra.

According to local media reports, Kalra, 27, was arrested by Sri Lanka’s Police Special Investigation Unit (SIU) for the Prevention of Offenses Relating to Sports on charges of trying to lure a player into committing a spot-fixing.

Kalra was sent to judicial custody by the magistrate’s court on Monday and is due to appear before the court again on July 31.

In addition, Kalra and another Indian national, Yuvraj Pushpa, were placed under investigation and appeared before the court on Sunday.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) responded to the developments by saying that the Lanka Premier League (LPL) would not be impacted by the current investigations.

They further stated that the board is committed to ensuring the integrity of the LPL, conducting all necessary actions to protect and promote the game in the country.