When C in DDCA doesn’t stand for cricket — but committees

Feroz Shah Kotla stadium gets a makeover.

Even as the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium races against time to get last-minute clearances to host the World T20 games, officials of the Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) are competing with each other to be part of the several committees being formed to host the ICC event.

Tasks being handled by these multi-member committees include receiving BCCI members and playing the national anthems of participating countries before each game.

Ever since a couple of committees were scrapped last week, many officials fear they might not make the cut to get an all-access match card. The DDCA’s plans to nominate at least 10 members to the sight screen and scoreboard committee went bust after the ICC said that the two installations would be electronically operated.

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Despite the setback, the game will be overseen by 14 committees comprising 51 members. In the coming days, the task force is expected to multiply since several sub-committees are likely to be formed to appease those who haven’t yet got the chance to offer a helping
hand during the tournament.

DDCA treasurer Ravinder Manchanda said they have included as many directors and officials as possible in the various committees to ensure “teamwork”. “Those who want to contribute must not feel left out, hence we have accommodated as many officials as possible in various committees. We hope that people in these committees work together… to ensure that the DDCA successfully hosts the World T20 matches,” Manchanda said.

Justice (retired) Mukul Mudgal, appointed by the Delhi High Court to oversee international games at Kotla, had suggested in his report after the India-South Africa Test in December that no committee should have more than three members. The high number of organisers has meant crowded meetings and, at times, chaos. Earlier this week, when the tender committee met, some members who are not part of the committee were present in the meeting room. Irked by the meddling officials, Mudgal has asked tender committee members to ensure that no outsider is present at meetings henceforth. In a written advisory, Mudgal has also told directors not to speak to vendors.

Mudgal’s decisions have not gone down well with some DDCA members. Last week, DDCA vice-president Chetan Chauhan wrote to him suggesting changes in the 12-member World T20 organising committee. “Yes, I have written to Mudgal with my suggestions. I am not imposing or forcing anything, I have just voiced my view and have requested him to consider these changes. The final call is with him,” Chauhan said, admitting that those not given posts were outraged. Following this, BCCI and DDCA vice-president C K Khanna was appointed principal advisor of a supervisory committee. At the same time, Khanna has been told to keep justice Mudgal in the loop before taking any decision.