Poor planning and politics keep Delhi out of key pre-season cricket tournaments

Delhi: A delayed start to the second edition of the Delhi Premier League (DPL) T20 has meant that Delhi has not sent its teams to established pre-domestic season competitions such as the Buchi Babu Memorial in Chennai and the JP Atray Memorial in the north.

These tournaments, held ahead of the domestic calendar, offer players — particularly those struggling for form — valuable match practice before tougher assignments in the Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy and other national competitions. They also expose players to varied playing conditions, aiding preparation for the season ahead.

This year, the Buchi Babu Memorial begins on August 18, with the four-day final scheduled from September 6. The JP Atray Memorial will be played between September 10 and 20, according to the Punjab Cricket Association.

Schedule clash — and more than meets the eye

The DPL, which began on August 2, will conclude with its final on August 31. The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has officially cited a clash of dates as the reason for not sending a team to the Buchi Babu Memorial.

While the overlap is real, insiders allege the decision has more to do with internal politics than logistics. A senior DDCA member claimed that fielding a team would invite intense pressure to select “sub-standard players” backed by influential officials.

“If the DDCA sends a team, at most only six or seven genuine players could be picked on merit, while the majority of spots would come under pressure from those who wield influence in the DDCA,” the member said.

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Questions over planning

The DPL T20, launched last season, has coincided with the Buchi Babu Memorial two years in a row. Critics within the association say this could have been avoided with better scheduling.

Had the DPL been held soon after the IPL ended on June 3, it would not only have avoided the monsoon — which has already washed out two matches this season — but also prevented any clash with key pre-season tournaments. Forecasts predict further rain disruptions in August.

In 2023, Delhi did send a team to the Buchi Babu Memorial. Led by Himmat Singh, they reached the final but were comprehensively beaten by Madhya Pradesh.

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Selection and coaching appointments stalled

Adding to the concerns, the DDCA has yet to finalise its selection committees or appoint coaching and support staff for various teams. Interviews for the 300-plus applicants are still underway while the domestic season begins on August 28.

In the absence of a formally appointed selection panel, Nikhil Chopra, chairman of the Cricket Advisory Committee, represented Delhi at the north zone selection meeting for the Duleep Trophy. “Cricket is the last priority of the DDCA,” several members remarked.

Despite the organisational delays, three Delhi players — Ayush Badoni, Yash Dhull and Harshit Rana — have been named in the 15-member north zone squad for the Duleep Trophy. Jammu and Kashmir has the highest representation, with five players in the side.