Fourth India South Africa test in doubt as CBI begins DDCA probe

Kotla could be replaced with a new venue soon

The fourth test between India and South Africa to be held at the Feroz Shah Kotla could be cancelled as the CBI has intitiated a probe against the Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA), based on allegations made by former cricketer Kirti Azad.

The DDCA has been accused of illegally occupying government land, without furnishing proper lease agreement details to the authorities. Azad has also asked the CBI to look into sub-leasing of Kotla’s private boxes to corporate companies, without taking prerequisite permission. Usage of fake bills by various DDCA officials to garner authority validation is also being looked into.

DDCA President Sneh Bansal confirmed that BCCI is prepared to look for an alternative venue, in the wake of this investigation. He said, “We have made it very clear to the BCCI that, if there is infighting and any of the allegations are proved, they can move the match to another venue. We will let them know before hand and this has been conveyed to them.”

Earlier this month, the BCCI also sent a notice to the DDCA, asking them about the fourth test preparations. A senior BCCI official said, “the DDCA have been a huge problem for us. We have been getting consistent complaints about corruption from there. We left it to the DDCA to solve the matter internally, but now their members have complained to the CBI. If this continues we will be forced to move the match to another venue.”

Former Delhi cricketers, including spinner Bishan Singh Bedi have requested the BCCI to look for an alternate venue immediately.

Bansal is also under the CBI scanner for allegedly embezzeling close to Rs 1.55 crore from the state governing body’s fund bank. The DDCA is also yet to pay Rs 24 crore in enetertainment tax to the Delhi government. The BCCI official also admitted, “there’s high probability that we might have to switch venues, unless the DDCA cleans it’‘s act up.”

Even age fraud is being looked into by the CBI, after 22 cricketers across various age groups were banned for producing false birth certificates. Azad said, “We all know that the DDCA is one of the most corrupt bodies in Indian cricket, I had produced all the real birth certificates for the authoriteis.

Delhi cricket’s off the field situation does not mimic their on-field state. They are currently top of Group A with 15 points.