The DDCA League which was in limbo after a feud between the executive committee members has resumed after a halt of more than a month. The competition, involving 111 clubs across the capital, was put on hold after the members alleged that the ground rentals have gone up and the payments for the same are yet to be released.

The game of cricket finally took centrestage after a month of drama in one of the leading associations in the country. Resumption of the league was not the only positive as the DDCA also sacked the U-19 selection committee, which was led by former Delhi player Bantu Singh and took stern steps to ensure fair-play at the U-23 level.

Though Delhi U-19 qualified for the knockouts after an impressive show in the group stages, the team selection raised a lot of question marks. It is learnt that Madan Lal approached the DDCA and has ‘voluntarily’ taken up the role of the ‘mentor’ of the side which will play the knockouts next week onwards.

As far as the U-23 unit is concerned, the DDCA, often criticised for fielding more than required players, decided to put a cap on the number of players and support staff travelling with the squad.

‘Give us some time’

Leading the repair job, former India cricketer and DDCA vice-president, now interim president, is pleased with the progress made and asks for more time to clean up the mess. “Look whatever needs attention will be addressed. All we need is some time to look into all the issues which require our attention. It is a long process. We will address all the issues as in when they crop up,” says Chauhan.

After sacking president Sneh Bansal and general secretary Anil Khanna for misappropriation of funds, DDCA has nominated CK Khanna as the representative of the association at the BCCI. The DDCA did take action by stripping the two of their powers, but didn’t initiate any legal proceedings.

DDCA’s reluctance prompted the Bishan Singh Bedi-led NCT to seize the opportunity and launch an official complaint at the IP Police Station last week. When asked why DDCA didn’t do the same, Chauhan said, “we go by the legal advice we get and let me assure you all the required steps have been taken. Suspending the two and stripping them off their powers is a stern step.”

Staff instigated protest

The mess was not limited to the top management as the DDCA junior level staff launched a strong protest in front of Chauhan’s office last week. The staff union demanded their ‘unpaid overtime wages’ and pending uniforms. Chauhan, however, was on a different page and said some elements are instigating such movements. “I did look into that matter but some of the demands are not justified. Whatever is justified will be addressed. I have learnt that some elements within the DDCA are instigating such movements,” informs Chauhan.