Shubman Gill’s U-19 teammate arrested for $28,700 bribe offer in LPL scandal

Shubman Gill’s U-19 teammate held in LPL bribery case

Shubman Gill’s former India U-19 teammate has been arrested for allegedly offering a $28,700 bribe to a player in a shocking Lanka Premier League (LPL) scandal. The arrest, confirmed on 17 July 2026, has sent shockwaves through the league’s integrity.

What happened?

On 17 July 2026, authorities in Colombo detained **Ravindra Pushpakumara**, a former India U-19 cricketer turned team owner in the Lanka Premier League. Pushpakumara stands accused of offering a bribe of $28,700 to a player to influence match outcomes during the LPL’s 2026 season. The arrest followed a joint investigation by Sri Lankan police and the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) anti-corruption unit.

Police sources said Pushpakumara was taken into custody after a sting operation recorded him making the payment offer. The accused faces charges under Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Offences Act and could be banned from cricket for life if convicted. The LPL’s 2026 edition is now under scrutiny over potential match-fixing attempts.

Why it matters for Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill, India’s rising batting star, shared the India U-19 team with Pushpakumara in 2018. Gill, now a key figure in India’s senior team, has no direct link to the scandal. But the arrest revives questions about the influence of former teammates in modern cricket’s fast-moving leagues.

Gill’s rise from U-19 teammate to India’s Test opener makes this story a cautionary tale for young cricketers. The ICC’s ongoing probe could expand, though no evidence ties Gill to any wrongdoing. Still, the case spotlights how cricket’s global circuit can expose former teammates to high-stakes risks.

What comes next?

Pushpakumara remains in police custody as investigations continue. Sri Lankan authorities plan to interview additional players and officials linked to the alleged bribery attempt. The ICC has pledged full cooperation and could impose interim sanctions while the probe runs.

The LPL’s 2026 season has been paused for two matches pending the outcome. If convictions follow, Pushpakumara could face a lifetime ban, setting a precedent for future anti-corruption cases in franchise cricket. The scandal also raises pressure on leagues worldwide to tighten integrity checks before issues spiral.