Prithvi Shaw with Delhi players in IPL 2018. Image Credits- AFP
Cricket has provided livelihoods to countless people, especially since the introduction of franchise leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL). Players like Hardik Pandya, Prithvi Shaw, Ravindra Jadeja, Yash Dayal and Rinku Singh have turned their lives upside down after earning IPL contracts.
Although Prithvi Shaw became an overnight sensation after leading India U19 to the triumph in the 2018 Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand, it was his maiden contract with the Delhi-based franchise that improved his financial well-being.
Having said that, it was not just Shaw who came under Delhi's feathers after the U19 World Cup triumph in 2018.
U19 WC heroics fast-tracked Prithvi Shaw & teammates
After winning the silverware in 2018, Delhi Daredevils (now called Delhi Capitals) acquired U19 stars like Prithvi Shaw, Abhishek Sharma and Manjot Kalra. Shaw and Sharma's career was picked up, but Kalra could not take off despite getting bought for INR 20 lakh in his maiden IPL season.
Kalra had smoked Australia U19 in the final with a match-winning century while opening the innings. The Delhi batter ended the tournament with 252 runs in five innings, with a staggering average of 84.00.
However, his career came to his disheartening end when he caught in age-fraud by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), later suspending the cricketer from Indian cricketer for one year in 2020. However, within few weeks of suspensation, DDCA had lifted the ban on him.
In 2021, the left-handed batter returned to domestic circles, but only to feature in one Ranji game for Delhi that season.
Also Read: Sri Lanka Cricket Scraps Weird 250k Instagram Followers LPL Rule After Heavy Backlash
Manjot Kalra owns Jaffna Kings ahead of LPL 2026
Currently, the former U19 winning player, Manjot Kalra, actively runs a YouTube Channel - Second Innings with Manjot Kalra, where he interviews budding cricketers. Meanwhile, the former cricketer has also bought the Jaffna Kings franchise of the Lanka Premier League (LPL 2026), alongside entrepreneur Mayank Goel.
"Jaffna Kings is a franchise with a strong cricketing identity and a passionate fan base. For us, this is an opportunity to bring together our experience in cricket, youth engagement, sports content and community building to support the next phase of the team’s journey," Manjot Kalra said after buying the LPL franchise Jaffna Kings.
Jaffna Kings and its long history of owners
Jaffna Kings have won four of the five titles in the Lanka Premier League. Initially, the franchise was called Jaffna Stallions in 2020, when a consortium of Sri Lankans and Indians owned it. It was terminated due to financial issues.
In 2021, Lyca Group took over the ownership and handled the franchise for four seasons under the name of Lyca Jaffna Kings. However, Lyca Group was terminated ahead of the LPL 2025 due to their failure to fulfil the obligations.
Ahead of the LPL 2026 draft, Manjot Kalra and Mayank Goel's Sports Commune has successfully acquired the most successful LPL franchise, Jaffna Kings.
As the previous season was suspended/postponed, the league will mark its return from July 8 to August 8, 2026. The draft for the season is scheduled for May 23.
Also Read: MS Dhoni Drops Clear Hint On IPL Retirement For CSK
