Former India U-19 World Cup-winning batsman Manjot Kalra has been barred from participating in age-group cricket for two years. The decision was taken by DDCA’s ombudsman. Even before the World Cup in 2018, questions were raised on Kalra regarding his age. Though he was cleared to participate in the tournament which took place in January-February in New Zealand.
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The star of the final, Kalra scored a match-winning 101* to earn the Player of the Match award. He couldn’t make it to the Delhi squad on a regular basis and has played two T20s so far. Kalra was a part of the Ranji Trophy squad for the home fixture against Hyderabad. He was also a part of Delhi Capitals in 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
The two-year ban means that he might not be able to play junior cricket gain as he turns 21 in January next year.
DDCA will announce a decision on Nitish Rana soon. He 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.
Rana, who has also led Delhi in senior cricket, is a regular for his state and in IPL. He was part of Mumbai Indians before joining Kolkata Knight Riders in 2018. He has also played for India A in home fixtures.
Shivam Mavi is the third player who has come under the scanner for his age. The case has been referred to the BCCI. Mavi was also a part of the U-19 World Cup squad in 2018 and rose to fame when he clocked high speeds during his spell in the opening match against Australia. He made his List A debut for India A in 2018.
The right-arm pacer is currently playing for Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket. He was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 3.2 Crore in IPL 2018 auction. He is 21 and is eligible to play junior cricket but is unlikely that the UPCA will ask him to play age-group cricket.