Delhi cricket elections: Kirti Azad throws his hat in the ring, promises change

Former India cricketer Kirti Azad has thrown his hat in the ring for Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) elections as he gears up to take on the current President Rohan Jaitley for the top post.

Azad confirmed to www.thedelhijunction.com that he will be filing his candidature.

“I will be filing my candidature on November 14,” said Azad.

The 1983-World Cup winner, who is currently a Member of Parliament from the Trinamool Congress, has promised to enhance facilities for members of DDCA, expand membership opportunities, create pathway for next generation cricketers, offer players better support, and proper utilisation of funds.

“I have support of around 1,100 members already and I am confident that I will win. We have to work on various fronts to improve DDCA,” he said.   

He will have a stiff fight against Rohan Jaitley for the top post. Jaitley is also a candidate for the post of BCCI secretary after Jay Shah vacates the post and goes to ICC next month. Jaitley is up against a formidable Anil Patel for that position.

Azad said of his plans, “I believe that a successful DDCA requires transparent and accountable leadership. If elected, I will keep members informed of our progress and provide regular updates on the improvements being made. I will also create a feedback channel so that each member has a voice in shaping our association’s future.

“We all know that Delhi has a rich cricketing heritage, a legacy of producing exceptional talent who have gone on to represent our country on the international stage. But we must ask ourselves—are we doing enough to nurture the next generation of cricketers?”

Azad has sent out a list of plans that he wants to work on once he comes to power. Here is what he says he will do:

1. Enhanced Facilities and Experiences for Our Members

Better Seating for Matches: I understand how important it is for members to enjoy a comfortable and accessible viewing experience during matches. As President, I will work towards upgrading seating arrangements to ensure that members have the best seats in the house, with enhanced visibility, comfort, and accessibility.

Upgraded Restaurant and Bar Facilities: Our members deserve spaces that are not only functional but also enjoyable. I plan to upgrade the restaurant and bar areas to offer a wider range of high-quality food and beverages, creating a vibrant atmosphere where members can unwind and socialize in comfort.

Modernised Gym and Wellness Facilities: Health and wellness are essential for our community. I am committed to expanding and modernizing our gym facilities, ensuring they are equipped with the latest technology and offer a conducive environment for fitness enthusiasts at every level.

2. Expanding Membership Opportunities

New Membership Opportunities: I believe that a strong community comes from inclusivity. As such, I will initiate an open membership drive to welcome new members into our association, fostering a more dynamic and supportive DDCA community.

Membership Transfers to the Next Generation: I understand the importance of legacy and continuity. If elected, I will implement a policy allowing current members to transfer their membership rights to their children, ensuring that DDCA remains a family-oriented institution that cherishes its longstanding members.

3. Creating a Pathway for the Next Generation of Cricketers

Talent Hunt and Fair Selection Process: Delhi is brimming with young talent that deserves a fair shot. I plan to launch a transparent and structured talent hunt program across schools, colleges, and local clubs, with clear and unbiased selection criteria. This program will ensure that the best and brightest young players are identified, nurtured, and given the platform to succeed.

Better Allocation of BCCI Funds: I will work closely with the BCCI to ensure an optimised and transparent allocation of funds, focusing on grassroots development, modernizing facilities, and supporting player welfare. Proper funding is essential to make our goals a reality, and I am committed to being a vigilant steward of these resources.

4. Enhanced Facilities and Support for Players

Improved Player Facilities: Our players are the heart of DDCA, and they deserve an environment that supports their journey to excellence. From modernised dressing rooms to advanced medical and recovery facilities, I am dedicated to ensuring that every player, from the grassroots level to the state level, has the resources needed to excel.

5. New Initiatives to Foster Inclusivity and Growth

We are committed to opening subsidised academies for talented cricketers in every district, with a NCA like academy in Ferozeshah Kotla Stadium. For us to improve cricket in Delhi, we need to make it affordable for a talented youngster.

Days' Tournaments for various age groups will be organised to unearth talent and make the selection process transparent.  Madan Lal Committee report will be implemented.

The stranglehold (and interference in selections of certain academies) which has made cricket prohibitive and difficult for talented cricketers will be broken

Further, the selection process will be made accountable and transparent -- it will include appointing a credible CAC, selectors and coaches, videographing the selection trials and affording an opportunity to youngsters to reach out to an appellate board in case of gross injustice.

Further, we are committed to making the AGMs more interactive where the members can seek answers and be informed of a report card of achievements and shortcomings of DDCA.

A proper empowered and robust Ombudsman structure will be put in place which solves and redresses complaints rather than merely gives adjournments.

A proper CEO as per Lodha Committee guidelines will be appointed. Extra constitutional retainers will be removed.

League for Retired Cricketers: Our retired players have given so much to Delhi cricket, and their passion still lives on. Upon election, I will establish a cricket league specifically for retired cricketers from Delhi, allowing them to continue contributing to the game and stay connected with our community.

University and College Affiliations: To ensure that young players have access to the right platforms, I will work to affiliate more universities and colleges with the DDCA. This will bring young talent into our system, helping us identify and nurture cricketers early in their careers.

Empowering Women’s Cricket: Women’s cricket has seen remarkable growth, and we must be part of this journey. I am committed to enhancing support for women’s cricket by improving facilities, organizing regular matches, and creating a clear pathway for young female players to succeed.

Player Sponsorships for Exceptional Talent: I understand the impact of sponsorship firsthand—when I was young, the president of Delhi cricket took an interest in my journey, providing sponsorship that helped me reach the highest levels of the sport. I plan to bring that same empathy and moral commitment to DDCA, by introducing sponsorship opportunities for exceptionally talented players who need financial support. Every player with talent and determination should have the resources to succeed.

6. Commitment to Transparency and Member Satisfaction

Money received from BCCI, DPL, international matches or any other sources will be used for designated purposes only and not for personal aggrandisement. A transparent and honest tendering process will be put in place to ensure that cartels promoted by DDCA officials and prejudicial to DDCA's interest are not formed to cause loss to DDCA.

7. Building a Community for All Cricket Lovers

Lastly, we must build a sense of community. Cricket brings us together, and DDCA can be a hub of cricketing culture, encouraging fans, young talents, and veteran players to unite under a shared love for the game. I will work to foster this sense of unity, organising regular engagement events, youth workshops, and programmes that keep the spirit of cricket alive in Delhi.

 

Tags : Kirti Azad, DDCA, Delhi cricket, elections, President, Rohan Jaitley, BCCI, Anil Patel