CBI probe of DDCA puts fourth Test between India and South Africa in doubt

Doubts have risen over the Delhi & Districts Cricket Associatin’s ability to host the fourth Test between India and South Africa after the CBI opened a probe into a range of allegations made by former India allrounder Kirti Azad. A report in DNA states that the CBI has initiated a preliminary enquiry over charges that include illegal occupation of government land without a proper lease, age-fudging allegations, sub-leasing of corporate boxes at the Kotla to private companies, instances of embezzlement and usage of fake bills by officials. [caption id=“attachment_2485930” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File photo of the Ferozshah Kotla Stadium in Delhi. Getty[/caption] The report says that the DDCA has to deposit outstanding entertainment tax of Rs 24 crore in order to hold the Test in December. The notice for the dues was slapped on the cricket body by the Delhi state government. DNA also reported that the BCCI has sent a notice asking the DDCA if it can hold the fourth Test under these circumstances. “BCCI has asked us about our preparation to host the match,” DDCA president Sneh Bhansal told the paper. “If the DDCA realises that it is unable to host the match, we will inform the BCCI well in advance about it so that they can take an appropriate call into the matter.” The DDCA has a reputation for controversy, with Virender Sehwag threatening to stop playing for Delhi in 2009 because of nepotism and corruption. Earlier in October, the BCCI had barred 22 Delhi cricketers from taking part in age-group cricket tournaments as there were allegations of age-fudging against them. The DNA report says that this is one of the issues being investigated by CBI too. The BCCI action came after an FIR was filed by Azad last year. Azad, who has been one of the strongest voices against DDCA, had said, “I had filed FIRs against 12 cricketers. In fact, I got their original birth certificates from MCD and had sent it to BCCI.” “We all know that DDCA is a den of legalised corruption,” he said. The administration is in such a mess that three different factions held camps to select players for this year’s Ranji Trophy, causing much confusion, and Ajay Jadeja, who was appointed the team’s coach, abruptly resigned before the first game of the season. Despite all this, Delhi’s Ranji team is sitting on top of Group A with 15 points, with two outright wins in four matches, but it is fair to say that the off-field situation does not look like getting better any time in the near future. With inputs from PTI