Manjot Kalra Banned From Age-Group Cricket, Two Kolkata Knight Riders Stars Under Scanner Too

Age fudging has reared its ugly head once again as U19 World Cup-winner Manjot Kalra has been barred from participating in age-group cricket for two years. The decision was taken by DDCA’s ombudsman. Manjot Kalra was under the scanner even before he could take part in the U19 World Cup last year. And although he was cleared to participate in the tournament, he could not prove that the allegations pitched against him were wrong.

Manjot Kalra had become an overnight sensation after scoring an unbeaten century in the final against Australia and picking the Man of the Match award. The performance also helped him bag a contract from Indian Premier League outfit Delhi Capitals although he could not make his debut for the franchise despite being their part for two seasons.

Delhi Capitals released the youngster this year and he went unsold in the auction. He has also not managed to become a regular face in Delhi’s domestic side and has played just two T20s so far. He played both the games in March this year and managed to score only 13 before being dropped. Manjot will now be hoping that he makes it to senior team as he will not be able to play age-level cricket for the next two years. He, however, can play in other competitions as well as IPL.

Breaking: @delhi_cricket ombudsman bars India under 19 world cup winning players Manjyot Kalra for two years in age group tournament. @KKRiders players Nitish Rana order pending until document. Shivam Mavi case refferd to Bcci on age fruad. @ABPNews @Wahcricketlive

— G. S. Vivek (@GSV1980) December 29, 2019

Decision on Nitish Rana and Shivam Mavi soon:

Meanwhile, two other cricketers – Nitish Rana and Shivam Mavi are also under the scanner for age fudging. Both the players are an integral part of IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders. Rana was one of the 22 players to be banned by BCCI for age fudging in 2015. He is now 26 and cannot play age cricket. It is unlikely that he will be banned from playing senior cricket. A decision on Rana’s future is expected soon.

On the other hand, Mavi’s case has been referred to BCCI. Mavi, who too was a part of the U19 World Cup winning team of 2018, has played 6 first-class and 16 List A games so far, picking up a total of 47 wickets.

Also Read: Gautam Gambhir Favourite To Take Over As DDCA President: Report