Controversy Erupts in Delhi Premier League Over Questionable Player Selection Rules

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Premier League (DPL) is currently embroiled in a significant controversy, as the inclusion of a little-known cricketer, Dev Chaudhary, has cast a harsh spotlight on the league’s player-selection protocols and the integrity of the Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA).

The New Delhi Tigers, who are currently languishing at the bottom of the eight-team table with only one victory in ten matches, have faced widespread criticism for fielding Chaudhary. The young player’s performances—scoring a duck off two balls against South Delhi Superstarz and managing just 16 runs off 24 deliveries against West Delhi Lions—have drawn intense scrutiny. His batting technique, characterized by an unusual stance and a visible struggle to connect with the ball, has baffled observers. During the Powerplay overs, Chaudhary’s inability to rotate the strike against spinners left coaches, players, and spectators alike questioning the vetting process that allowed him to make the starting XI.

The Controversial Rule

At the heart of the issue is a specific mandate introduced this season, which allowed each franchise to select three players outside of the official auction process. The only qualification required was that these players must have participated in at least five DDCA League matches.

Critics within the DDCA had warned against this policy, arguing that it created a “backdoor” for underqualified individuals to enter the professional circuit through recommendations rather than merit. Shyam Sharma, a lawyer and DDCA Apex Council member, expressed his frustration, noting that he had flagged the potential for corruption when the rule was first proposed.

“It has been an absolute shame. I was the first one who had raised my voice about this rule,” Sharma stated. “Dev Chaudhary has been exposed, but there are many players like this who have come into the teams on recommendations.”

Questions Over Background and Influence

While little is known about Chaudhary beyond his participation in Delhi U-19 trials, reports suggest his inclusion was bolstered by external influence. According to a source from Sporting Club, the team Chaudhary previously represented, the player was recommended by former India U-19 and Delhi pacer Pradeep Sangwan.

The source revealed that Sporting Club had previously advised Chaudhary’s father to stop sending his son to practice, explicitly stating that he was not at the required skill level for competitive cricket. Consequently, officials were stunned to see him suddenly appear on the DPL roster.

Calls for Accountability

Despite the backlash, the New Delhi Tigers’ leadership—including head coach Rajkumar Sharma, the childhood mentor of Virat Kohli—has remained silent. Neither the coach nor the team owner, Ajay Kumar, has responded to inquiries regarding the decision-making process behind Chaudhary’s selection.

In response to the growing outcry, DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma confirmed that the association intends to address the oversight. “The rule will be reviewed once the tournament is over,” he stated. For now, the incident remains a major embarrassment for the DPL, as stakeholders demand a more transparent and merit-based approach to player recruitment for future seasons.