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Team India's World Cup star becomes team owner in Sri Lanka
New Delhi: Star batsman Manjot Kalra, who played a pivotal role in leading India to victory in the 2018 Under-19 World Cup, has now embarked on a new innings off the cricket field. Kalra—who helped Team India become champions by scoring a century in the final—has now become a team owner in Sri Lanka's T20 league, the LPL.
Sports Commune, a company co-founded by Delhi-based Manjot Kalra and businessman Mayank Goyal, has acquired a stake in the Jaffna Kings franchise of the Lanka Premier League (LPL). This group will now oversee the team's operations and future strategy.
Sports Commune's plans extend beyond merely running the team. The company intends to focus on connecting youth with cricket, creating sports content, promoting grassroots cricket, and enhancing fan engagement across South Asia. Mayank Goyal has also been active in the cybersecurity, insurance, and sports development sectors; he has played a role in organizing numerous youth cricket tournaments and corporate cricket leagues.
Commenting on the deal, Manjot Kalra stated, "The Jaffna Kings possess a strong cricketing identity and a massive fan following. For us, this opportunity represents a chance to steer the team in a new direction by integrating our cricketing expertise, sports content initiatives, and community-building efforts."
Manjot Kalra: The Hero of the 2018 World Cup Final
Manjot Kalra scored an unbeaten century against Australia in the final of the 2018 Under-19 World Cup. It was largely thanks to that innings that India secured a record fourth title. Subsequently, he made his professional cricket debut for Delhi in 2019, though his career did not progress much further.
Manjot Also Entangled in Age Fraud Controversy
Kalra later found himself embroiled in an age fraud controversy. Allegations surfaced that incorrect information regarding his date of birth had been submitted. The Delhi Police investigated the matter, and the chargesheet filed in court alleged that Kalra was one year older than the age he had declared.
Consequently, questions were raised regarding his eligibility to play in the Under-19 World Cup. Following this controversy, his domestic career also suffered, and he went on to play only three professional matches. His final match took place in 2021.
After his cricketing career came to a halt, Manjot Kalra ventured into the world of digital and sports content. He also hosts a YouTube podcast titled 'Second Innings with Manjot Kalra,' which features interviews with cricketers and athletes.
Now, by acquiring a stake in an LPL franchise, he has embarked on a journey to carve out a new identity for himself within the sports business sector.
