DDCA asks Manjot Kalra to undergo age verification test before leading U19 side

In a very embarrassing incident, the Delhi Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) was left in a false position soon after they had named their U19 side for the Cooch Behar Trophy. The DDCA had named promising young player Manjot Kalra as the skipper of the side. DDCA, the state association led by former Indian cricketer Madan Lal, had announced the squad on their official website recently.

However, soon after the announcements were made, the board was forced to pull down the squad details citing age-verification problems with a few players including Manjot Kalra. This comes as a double blow for the youngster since he had already passed the age verification test that was conducted by the parent body – the BCCI.

Now, after DDCA administrator Vikramjeet Sen ordered that all U19 players will have to prove their eligibility, the players will have to undergo the tests. Manjot Kalra is a left handed batsman who recently hit a brilliant ton against England U19 in England this year. He is also being seen as one of the top contenders for the India U19 side for the next year’s World Cup.

“BCCI has informed the undersigned that they have accepted the age of Manjot Kalra as 15-1-1999 after verification done by them. It can’t be presumed at this stage that the documents submitted by Mr Kalra are incorrect,” Sen stated in his notification as per the reports in Sportskeeda.

Complaint still pending

“It is indeed a matter of regret that FIR No 312/2015 regarding age verification complaint is still pending. It does not advance the cause of sport in general and cricket in particular. Since FIR has been pending for sometime, DDCA has been left with no alternative but to conduct their own investigation. It is deemed appropriate, that Mr Manjot Kalra will be asked to undergo a medical test,” he added.