DDCA faces unusual hurdles in appointment of coaches, selectors

The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) is facing a somewhat unusual problem just days before the domestic season begins with the Duleep Trophy on August 23.

Following criticism over its appointment of non-Delhi former players as coaches and selectors, the DDCA recently tightened its eligibility rules, making it mandatory for applicants to have “represented Delhi in any format.” While the amended criterion appears reasonable, it has created an unexpected problem for the association. Compared to previous years, fewer people had applied by the July 25 deadline. When applications fell short of expectations by the original July 20 deadline, the DDCA extended it by five days to attract more candidates, sources said.

“But the DDCA’s expectations have not been met. Last season, well over 300 applications were received for various posts. This time, around 280 people have applied, which was below the management’s expectations. Of these, around 100 former cricketers have applied for the posts of selectors and coaches, and the rest for the other positions,” a source told Patriot.

A senior DDCA member attributed the lukewarm response to the tighter eligibility rules and the preference among some Delhi-based personnel for more rewarding assignments outside the city.

Nearly a month after the application process began, interviews for the various posts are yet to start. The Delhi Premier League (DPL) has occupied much of the DDCA’s attention, even as the domestic season is due to begin in a few days. A source said the interviews are likely to be conducted online, but no start date has been finalised.

Names in the hat

Even as the formal recruitment process remains pending, names are already being discussed for key positions.

Vijay Dahiya, who coached Delhi to their last Ranji Trophy title in 2007-08 and headed the DDCA’s Cricket Advisory Committee last season, is among the leading contenders for head coach of the senior men’s team. Former Delhi captain and last year’s selector Krishna Bhaskar Pillai is also being reportedly considered. Delhi have not won the Ranji Trophy since their 2007-08 triumph.

The men’s head coach is paid between Rs 40 lakh and Rs 50 lakh per season, while assistant coaches receive between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 25 lakh.

“By a rough estimate, the DDCA spends well over Rs 1 crore each season on the coaching and support staff of a single Delhi team, and there are several men’s and women’s teams. Even at the lower end, with a head coach earning Rs 40 lakh and three assistant coaches earning Rs 25 lakh each, the coaching bill alone crosses Rs 1 crore. Then there is a battery of support staff and two managers for each team, adding significantly to the cost,” said the source. “But the results of various teams are abysmal.”