Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) CEO Deepak Sharma resigned from his post on Wednesday, bringing to an end a tenure spanning over 12 years. Sharma submitted his resignation to the PCA apex council in compliance with a directive issued by the association’s ethics officer-cum-ombudsman, justice Jaspal Singh (retd), a former Punjab and Haryana high court judge.
On February 13, the ombudsman directed Sharma to step down by February 18 following a complaint filed by Rakesh Handa, a former Punjab first-class cricketer and PCA life member.
The order raised serious concerns over Sharma’s alleged failure to disclose his employment with Punjab State Housing Federation (HOUSEFED) during 2014-15 while serving the PCA, during which he allegedly drew salaries from both organisations simultaneously.
The ombudsman termed the act a misrepresentation of facts and financial misconduct for undue benefit.
Sharma’s resignation is expected to be addressed at the upcoming PCA apex council meeting.