Delhi Under-19 skipper Manjot Kalra lands into trouble ahead of Vinoo Mankad Trophy

Delhi Under-19 skipper Manjot Kalra has landed in a troublesome situation just a week before the domestic cricket season kicks off. It is being speculated that Manjot’s participation in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy is under scrutiny due to some age issues. The Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) also conducted a process to inspect the age of the players in all categories. The association also confirmed that Manjot has submitted all his documents and the verification is still under process.

Earlier, the DDCA announced Manjot as the captain of the Under 19 team for the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, but the list of the 15-man squad was later taken down from the association’s website. The young skipper also didn’t take part in the first training session at Feroz Shah Kotla on Friday. However, the chairman of the junior selection committee also stated that there is no clarity in the above-stated issue.

Can’t presume anything now

The DDCA website carried a statement by Justice Sen in which he stated that nothing can be presumed in this situation as of now. He also added that the captain will be asked to undergo a medical test as FIR filed by former Indian cricketer Kirti Azad over the issue is still pending.

“Can’t be presumed at this stage that the documents submitted by Mr Kalra are incorrect. It is deemed appropriate that Mr Manjot Kalra will be asked to undergo a medical test,” said Justice Sen in his statement.

We have not received any information

Sukhvinder Singh, the chairman of junior selection committee revealed that the committee has not received any information regarding Kalra’s age issues and therefore he is very much a part of the team.

“See we haven’t received any information yet. I got to know about Manjot’s case only when I reached the ground for meeting the squad. We picked the squad only a day before and I wanted to convey my wishes to them for the new season. As things stand, he is very much the part of the team and very much Delhi U-19 captain,” said Singh as per Indian Express.

Former Indian cricketer and the head of the DDCA’s Cricket Affairs Committee, Madan Lal also expressed his views on the current situation and stated that the verification process would be followed for every player.

“I don’t think it’s Manjot in particular. It will be done for everyone as we want to ensure that everything is in order. Whoever is found without necessary documents and proofs, won’t be considered,” said Lal.