Under-fire DDCA refutes criticism, wants to form ‘Happiness Committee’

Delhi cricket association, heavily criticised by Justice Mukul Mudgal in his report to the Delhi high court, wants to set up a happiness committee.

New Delhi

Justice Mukul Mudgal has sharply criticised the running of the Delhi cricket association and wants the(HT Photo)

The Delhi and District Cricket Association never ceases to surprise. It has been hit by so many controversies over the last few years that everyone associated with it has been affected.

While pending payments and dues to Delhi cricketers, umpires and other officials have grabbed the limelight, almost every other day court cases are filed, charges and counter-charges are reported to the police, causing much heartburn, altercations, and at times, scuffles.

However, the DDCA has now decided to spread some cheer. It announced on Tuesday that it plans to set up a ‘Happiness Committee’. In a statement it said the idea was to boost the morale of players, officials and its staff.

“This concept is from corporate governance, adopted in many European country (sic) for the welfare of employee and its members. The aim is to keep every members, cricketers, and staff happy and satisfied as one family. All the grievances, if any, shall be taken (up) by this committee.”

It was in response to a report submitted to the Delhi high court by Justice (retd) Mukul Mudgal, which was made public on Monday.

In his 27-page report, Justice Mudgal has criticised many top officials and even recommended that the DDCA’s functioning be taken over by its parent body, BCCI. The Ferozeshah Kotla looked in danger of losing matches due to various issues late last year when Mudgal was appointed.

He was the observer during the South Africa Test in December and the World T20 and IPL matches.

The DDCA officials called a news conference to refute Mudgal’s observations. “Justice Mudgal didn’t speak to anyone in the Sports Working Committee (SWC). He only spoke to people outside it or to those who had lost elections. He is clearly being misguided,” its convener Vinod Tihara said.

Mudgal’s report had said there were irregularities even in the selection of teams by the state unit.

DDCA president SP Bansal, who is under the scanner over corruption allegations, said: “I sent at least 10 mails to Justice Mudgal to give me good work and consult me, but he didn’t reply.”

Tihara said, “He is well within his rights to suggest, but I don’t think that being a respected former judge, he would want us to bypass our constitution. That’s why I feel he is being misguided and misinformed by those who don’t wish well for DDCA.”

Vice-president, CK Khanna, who the report said provided little leadership but was only interested in dishing out complimentary tickets, displayed a letter from fellow DDCA vice-president Chetan Chauhan acknowledging his role in getting approvals and permissions from various government departments.

The Mudgal report, among other things, said there was a lack of transparency and accountability in the DDCA and that the cricket Board should form an ad-hoc body to run it.