DDCA seeks probe into alleged irregularities involving DPL players and franchise

The Delhi and District Cricket Association has formally moved to address reports of alleged irregularities connected to certain players and a franchise participating in the Delhi Premier League. The association communicated with relevant authorities on September 22, 2026, requesting that the matter be examined through established processes.

The DDCA posted a statement, making clear that the allegations in question have not been confirmed or established by any competent authority. The association said it had shared information that had come to its notice with the respective authorities and asked them to look into the matter appropriately.

The DDCA underlined that it draws a firm distinction between allegations and established facts, and that due process must be allowed to run its course. It added that any action, if found warranted, would be taken strictly in line with the findings of appropriate authorities and the applicable rules and regulations. No specific player name, franchise name or nature of the alleged irregularity was identified in the statement.

Background to the DPL eligibility dispute

The controversy in the Delhi Premier League T20 this season had centred on a rule that allowed franchises to sign three players outside the formal auction process. The only requirement under that rule was that a player must have appeared in at least five DDCA League matches. Several DDCA Apex Council members had raised concerns before the rule was ratified, arguing it could allow unqualified players to enter through personal recommendations rather than merit.

Shyam Sharma, a lawyer and DDCA Apex Council member, had formally objected to the rule before it was passed and described the situation that followed as an absolute shame. The controversy drew wider attention after batter Dev Chaudhary appeared for the New Delhi Tigers in the DPL 2026 season. A source from Sporting Club, the DDCA League side through which Chaudhary had established his eligibility that the club had advised against his continued participation after two matches, and expressed surprise when he subsequently appeared in the DPL.

DDCA's formal position and next steps

DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma had earlier told that the association would review the relevant rule once the tournament concluded. No established evidence has linked Chaudhary himself to any wrongdoing; the broader questions raised relate to the system through which he became eligible and was subsequently selected by the franchise.

The DDCA reiterated in its September 22 statement that it holds a zero-tolerance position on any activity that could compromise cricket's integrity, and confirmed it would extend full cooperation to any inquiry conducted by competent authorities. The association's decision to write to external authorities marks a formal escalation beyond its earlier indication that the rule would be reviewed internally after the season.