DDCA’s ‘unusually long’ coaching, support staff list with an eye on elections?

Elections for the Delhi and District Cricket Association’s (DDCA) apex council, which includes the office-bearers, are anticipated to take place in December. However, the ‘preparations’ for the polls have already begun in earnest within Delhi’s cricket circles, as reflected in the extended list—possibly the longest ever—of coaches, selectors, and managers announced for the 2024-25 domestic tournaments.

Last season, a total of 94 personnel were appointed, but this time, the number has surged to 109, marking a significant increase of 15.

DDCA sources indicate that the upcoming election is the primary reason for this unusually long list.

“It is clear that the powers that be want to keep important people happy with an eye on the elections. New positions among the coaching and support staff of various teams have been created to accommodate their people,” a source told Patriot.

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At present, the DDCA president is Rohan Jaitley, and he is likely to contest again. Similarly, a couple of clans that have been associated with the DDCA over the years and decades are keen to extend their hold by introducing new family members who might contest for positions in the apex council. For instance, the daughter of a very senior member, known to pull strings from behind, is said to be getting ready to enter the fray.

“Upon reviewing the appointed selectors and support staff, concerns arise regarding favouritism and nepotism. The presence of individuals with close ties to senior officials raises potential conflicts of interest, which could compromise the integrity of the decision-making process and diminish the quality of governance and participation,” a former Delhi cricketer is said to have written in a letter addressed to a member of Parliament who is also a former Delhi captain.

Another prickly issue that is annoying some people in Delhi is that of “outsiders” being involved in the scheme of things.

The former Delhi cricketer has included this issue as well in his letter, calling it a “misstep.” He puts the newly appointed senior men’s team coach, Sarandeep Singh, a former India off-spinner, in this category. Singh is not strictly an outsider, though, as he has also represented Delhi in the Ranji Trophy, besides Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.

Even some of those who have found places on the long list are not happy. At least one senior former player claimed that he had applied for a specific responsibility for the senior men’s team but was assigned a different role. He, however, has accepted the responsibility.

Interestingly, this season, fielding coaches have been added to all the teams instead of just a few. While appreciating this move, former Delhi batsman Gautam Vadhera, who was appointed fielding coach of the under-19 women’s team, has resigned from the post.

“I had applied for a coaching assignment as chief coach of the senior women’s team. So, I don’t want to do the assignment for the team I have been appointed for,” Vadhera said.

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The DDCA has, for the first time, appointed three mentors—two for men’s teams and one for women. The men’s senior selection committee comprises former India batsman Gursharan Singh (chairman), KP Bhaskar, and Rajiv Vinayak, while the senior women’s panel consists of Amita Sharma (chairperson), Swarn Chadha, and Sushma Chaudhry.

On September 24, the DDCA announced unusually long lists of probables for Ranji Trophy (84 players) and under-23 Col CK Nayudu Trophy (92).