Uncertainty over Kotla

Delhi Govt forms panel to probe DDCA mess

 The Delhi government on Thursday set up a three-member committee to inquire into alleged wrong-doings, including evasion of Excise Duty and Entertainment Tax, by the Delhi District and Cricket Association (DDCA).

The move has raised further doubts over the hosting of fourth Test between India and South Africa here from December 3.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia sought a report within three days from the committee headed by Chetan B Sanghi, principal secretary Urban Development Department. The Committee, which  also includes Education Secretary Punya Salil Srivastava, and Rahul Mehra, Senior Standing Counsel of Delhi government, will look into complaints against DDCA on falsification of financial statements, mismanagement of accounts, embezzlement, tax evasion, nepotism, unauthorised constructions and non-compliance with various statutory provisions.

The probe committee assumes significance after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) at its AGM on Monday issued an ultimatum to the DDCA to get all necessary clearances from the government and state civic body by November 17, if it wished to host the fourth Test. If DDCA fails to meet the deadline, Pune would get the opportunity to hold its maiden Test.

The Delhi government had earlier slapped Rs 24 crore notice on the DDCA after assessing the entertainment tax arrears of the cricket body. The association is pleading for a reassessment of the tax arrears and financial relief.

A statement issued by the Delhi government said the committee would also give suggestions for revamping the DDCA.

“At this time, the government would refrain from commenting about conjectures on the capability of the DDCA in hosting the Cricket Test match between India and South Africa next month,” it said, referring to the speculation in the media that the probe may jeopardise the Test. 

 Sisodia ordered the probe in the backdrop of Delhi captain Gautam Gambhir’s meeting with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday. Gambhir apprised the chief minister about the grave mismanagement afflicting the organisation.

Earlier, former India captain Bishan Singh Bedi also met Kejriwal over DDCA issues.