NEW DELHI: The inclusion of little-known cricketer Dev Chaudhary by New Delhi Tigers has raised serious questions over the Delhi Premier League’s player-selection rules and put the Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) under scrutiny.New Delhi Tigers are currently last among the eight teams, with just one win from 10 matches. Chaudhary played two games as an opener, scoring 0 off 2 balls against South Delhi Superstarz and 16 off 24 against West Delhi Lions.His second innings, in particular, drew attention because of his unusual batting stance and inability to hit a single powerful shot. He also played five dot balls to a spinner during the Powerplay, leaving players, coaches and officials questioning how he made the playing XI.
Rule under scrutiny
This season, the DPL allowed each franchise to select three players outside the auction, with the only requirement being that they had played at least five DDCA League matches.Several DDCA Apex Council members had opposed the rule, fearing it could allow undeserving players to enter the league through recommendations. Lawyer and Apex Council member Shyam Sharma said he had raised concerns about it before the rule 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 reconsider the rule and make the necessary changes. DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma confirmed the rule would be examined.“The Rule will be reviewed once the tournament is over,” he added.
Questions over Chaudhary’s selection
Little is known about Chaudhary’s cricketing background, apart from his participation in Delhi U-19 trials. He played DDCA League matches for Sporting Club, which has also been associated with India pacer Prince Yadav.A club source claimed Chaudhary was recommended by former India U-19 and Delhi pacer Pradeep Sangwan and played only two matches before the club advised his father not to send him back.“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’.” The source added that the club was stunned to later see him playing in the DPL.New Delhi Tigers are coached by Dronacharya Award winner and Virat Kohli’s childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma. Neither Sharma nor team owner Ajay Kumar responded to PTI’s calls and messages seeking clarification on Chaudhary’s selection.
