DDCA puts Delhi cricket in tizzy as it bars players from 'unauthorised' tournaments

New Delhi: The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has sent its constituent clubs and the cricketers in a tizzy after issuing a diktat that curtails their opportunities of playing cricket.

In a statement, the DDCA has stated that the players are not authorised to play in any tournament that is not authorised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The decision comes after several players who have represented Delhi at various age-group levels were looking to participate in the upcoming Ghaziabad Premier League.

Last year, some former players involved with Delhi cricket were caught in a controversy related to Kashmir Premier League where the participants were not paid their dues and they had taken posts in various capacities.

"It is hereby notified that all players registered and participating in the DDCA League, T20, or any other age-group tournament under thejurisdiction of DDCA are strictly prohibited from taking part in any tournament which is not authorized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) such as Ghaziabad Premier League etc," said the notice which was signed by RR Singh, the interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DDCA.

"Any player found participating in such unauthorised tournament will immediately be disqualified from all DDCA matches and tournament etc,including the Delhi Premier League (DPL). This directive is issued in the interest of maintaining discipline and adherence to BCCI regulations. All players are expected to comply without exception," added the notice.

However, in its bid to stop players from participating in unauthorised T20 leagues, the DDCA has also put players, coaches and DDCA members in confusion. This order may also extend to Hot Weather tournaments that have been a lifeline for city's cricketers for the last so many years.

Asked if the rule extends to Delhi's Hot Weather Tournament circuit, RR Singh pointed out, "For any tournament not recognised by the BCCI."

This diktat leaves players in the lurch. There are several tournaments in Delhi that are not affiliated to the DDCA, let alone BCCI. Ideally, a DDCA recognition should do but the notice doesn't clarify it and neither Singh explained it. Since he is an interim CEO and not much aware of cricketing matters, he may not be knowing the intricate details of which tournaments to ban. A proper explanation was required.

Pramod Jain, a long time member of the DDCA said that if the purpose of the notice was to stop the players from participating in private T20 leagues with no proper administrative background, the DDCA should have made that clear.

"Clearly, several tournaments are well-recognised in the Capital, doing great service to the Capital's cricketing landscape, especially during summer months, and we know they are run well by responsible entities and many of them don't have DDCA or BCCI recognition. If these tournaments are barred for cricketers, upcoming cricketers, what cricket will we have in the Capital," said Jain, who has observed DDCA for 56 years and is the association's long-time member.

In an e-mail to Singh, Jain wrote, "This is with reference to the notice dated 07-03-2026 regarding prohibition of participation in unauthorized tournaments. Considering Delhi's vibrant local cricket culture, including hot weather tournaments, and the fact that none of the Delhi tournaments are affiliated to DDCA/BCCI, we request reconsideration of this decision. We also request clarification on DDCA's jurisdiction over cricket activities in Delhi.

The letter added, "Alternatively, DDCA could affiliate local tournaments to promote cricket growth; frame guidelines for player participation; collaborate with local organizers for better regulation. This approach can maintain discipline while supporting Delhi's cricket ecosystem."

Tags : Delhi cricket, diktat, BCCI, DDCA, DPL