IPL 2020: KKR Likely to Lose Nitish Rana and Shivam Mavi Due to Age-fudging

Before the IPL 2020, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) might face a big blow. Players from the franchise have come under the scanner for age fudging. Middle-order batsman Nitish Rana and fast bowler Shivam Mavi are the two players. KKR might not get their services in the upcoming Indian Premier League.

KKR players under scrutiny for age fudging

BCCI banned 22 players in 2015 for age fudging, including Nitish Rana. Since then, the all-rounder is not eligible to play age-group cricket anymore. Although the decision is yet to be taken on his future. On the other hand, Shivam Mavi’s case has gone to the BCCI.

Mavi, who was one of the bowling mainstays in India’s U-19 World Cup triumph last year, has played 6 first-class matches and 16 List-A matches so far. He has 47 wickets in his name. He has missed out the earlier two seasons and expected to be one of the key players in IPL 2020. But a potential ban on him could be a huge blow for the two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders.

On the other hand, Manjot Kalra, who made headlines with his stunning century in the 2018 Under-19 World Cup final, has also banned from playing age-group cricket. He has banned for two years by the Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) ombudsman.

Kalra came under the scanner for fudging his age-related documents ahead of the 2018 Under-19 World Cup. Although he played in the mega event, the left-handed batsman failed to prove the allegations wrong. Delhi Capitals picked Manjot Kalra in the 2018 IPL season for his outstanding performance in the Under-19 World Cup.

However, the opener didn’t get a chance to open for the franchise because Delhi Capitals had enough openers in their kitty. Moreover, the franchise has also released him prior to the IPL 2020 auction. Unfortunately, no franchise showed interest to buy him in the auction.