The controversial selection of an amateur cricketer named Dev Chaudhary by Delhi Premier League (DPL) franchise New Delhi Tigers has brought a lot of disrepute for Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA).
Chaudhary featured in two games as an opener, scoring 0 off 2 balls against South Delhi Superstarz and 16 off 24 against West Delhi Lions.
In particular, his second innings hogged headlines because of highly fragile batting stance and inability to hit a single powerful shot. He also played five dot balls while facing a spinner in the Powerplay, leaving players, coaches and officials wondering how he broke into the playing XI.
The primary reason for the scrutiny is a loophole in the DPL regulations that allows franchises to select three local league players outside the auction pool, provided the individual has appeared in at least five DDCA league matches.
This out-of-auction selection clause bypassed standard draft protocols meant for competitive transparency.
Interestingly, four DDCA Apex Council members had explicitly opposed and protested the introduction of this specific clause before the season began, warning that it would invite nepotism and corruption.
Lawyer and Apex Council member Shyam Sharma said he had objected to the rule before it was approved.
"It has been an absolute shame. I was the first one who had raised my voice about this rule. They made a criteria that five DDCA League games would be enough to qualify for a place in DPL without auction.
"Now I had asked on the forum, what if that guy hasn't performed and picked. Dev Chaudhary has been exposed but there are many players like this who have come into the teams on recommendations," Sharma told PTI.
Sharma said he has again asked the Apex Council to review the rule and make the necessary amendments.
DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma confirmed the rule would be examined. "The Rule will be reviewed once the tournament is over," he added.
With minimal competitive credentials to his name, allegations have surfaced that Dev Chaudhary secured his spot via recommendations from former India U-19 and Delhi pacer Pradeep Sangwan.
Chaudhary reportedly played DDCA League matches for Sporting Club, which has also been associated with India pacer Prince Yadav.
"He was recommended by former India U19 and Delhi pacer Pradeep Sangwan. He played two games and after that one of our senior club official called his father and told him that 'Please don't send your son as he isn't good enough'," a club source quoted as saying.
The source added that the club was shocked to later see him participating in the DPL.
