Delhi plays a key role in any sphere, and Indian sports can hardly be different. The national capital enjoys the unique distinction of not only providing Team India with a long line of cricketing legends but also has the pride of place as one of the oldest Test venues in the country.
Board of Control for Cricket in India has, for long, adopted a rather liberal attitude when it comes to its relationship with the Delhi and Districts Cricket Association. But now it's decision to with-hold funds that it annually disburses to member associations shows that the BCCI mandarins have had enough!
The willingness to take action against a member that has been able to get away with cocking the snook at BCCI time and again shows the stomach for a fight. Remember DDCA has been run like a fiefdom for decades going back to the all-powerful Mehras! Then came the political backing to continue running affairs of Delhi cricket in a rather clandestine manner.
Finally BCCI under Sourav Ganguly seems to be ready to call the bluff!
DDCA has been without a president for a few months now. The secretary was reported to be in jail in a neighbouring state for a complaint about financial irregularities in his private business enterprise. Cases of corruption and nepotism are pending in courts of law against various other DDCA officials as well.
And the all-powerful sports secretary is neither seen nor heard!
First things first, BCCI must insist that DDCA separate the club affairs from cricket. Elections need to be held without the much-misused proxy-system of voting which appears to be the root cause of the malaise that Delhi cricket finds itself in.
The revamped stadium at Ferozeshah Kotla has not been granted a completion certificate despite it being completed more than a decade ago. Sanctioned plans were violated with impunity without any penal action from the municipal authorities, thanks to the political backing that DDCA enjoyed. But slowly that seems to be on the wane and an entire block has been sealed for two years plus for violation of building laws. The media and commentary boxes above the sight screen next to the historic WIllingdon Pavilion has been declared illegal though it still continues to be put to limited use during international as well as IPL fixtures.
Time has come to take stock of DDCA and put the house in order.
DDCA club members can elect their own team to look the bar and card-room affairs. It's the cricket clubs that play in the several tiered leagues that must be given control for starters. Add to that mix the former internationals and first class players who have turned out for Delhi.
It remains to be seen if BCCI is serious about revamping DDCA or is it merely posturing before the upcoming Board elections!
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