ABP News Exclusive: This is how cricket clubs under DDCA are committing scams

Summary

Delhi's cricket scene is plagued by corruption, with over 100 registered clubs existing only on paper. These 'paper clubs' exploit young cricketers and their families by charging high fees for minimal facilities and training. While only 25 clubs have actual infrastructure, the rest are used to gain financial and political leverage within the Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA). Clubs are even bought, sold, and rented out for financial profit, overshadowing the development of talent. Despite the widespread issues, the DDCA has failed to take significant action, leaving aspiring cricketers to suffer in a system dominated by corruption.

Takeaways

• 😀 Many cricket clubs in Delhi are 'paper clubs,' existing only on paper with no actual facilities or infrastructure.
• 😀 The Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) oversees 111 clubs, but only about 25 provide proper facilities for players.
• 😀 These 'paper clubs' are primarily used for political influence within the DDCA, especially during elections where ownership provides voting power.
• 😀 Clubs are often bought, sold, and even leased, with some transactions reaching up to ₹1.5 crore, driven by the need for votes in DDCA elections.
• 😀 Parents and players are often forced to pay large sums, up to ₹1 lakh per match, to get a chance to play in the leagues or to secure selection in professional cricket.
• 😀 The true focus of these clubs is not on developing cricket talent, but on financial exploitation, with clubs being used as vehicles for personal gain.
• 😀 Most clubs do not have grounds or proper practice facilities, and players have to share spaces or practice at rented grounds.
• 😀 The system is deeply corrupt, with money from subsidies often misused or diverted for personal purposes rather than benefiting young players.
• 😀 The DDCA has acknowledged the lack of facilities but is unable to address the growing issue of paper clubs and their impact on the sport.
• 😀 The commercialization of Delhi's cricket ecosystem has led to a situation where talented young players are sidelined due to financial constraints and corruption.
• 😀 Despite the claims of the DDCA to promote cricket, the focus on political power, money, and personal gain has left genuine talent development behind.

Q & A

What is the main issue highlighted in the video about Delhi's cricket scene?

The video highlights the widespread issue of 'paper clubs' in Delhi's cricket scene. These clubs are registered on paper but lack actual infrastructure like grounds, practice nets, or facilities. Many of these clubs only exist on paper and are involved in illegal financial dealings, which affect young cricketers aspiring to play professionally.

What are 'paper clubs' in the context of Delhi's cricket system?

'Paper clubs' refer to cricket clubs that exist only on paper, registered with the Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA), but lack physical infrastructure or the resources necessary to support real cricket activities. These clubs often serve as a front for financial manipulation, including illegal transactions and vote-buying during cricket elections.

How many clubs in Delhi are actually functional with proper facilities?

Out of 111 registered clubs under DDCA, only about 25 clubs have proper facilities like practice nets and grounds. The rest are considered 'paper clubs' that do not have the necessary resources to train or play cricket.

Why do people buy and sell 'paper clubs'?

People buy and sell 'paper clubs' primarily for their voting power in DDCA elections. Owning a club gives individuals the ability to vote in crucial decisions, including selections for tournaments like the Ranji Trophy, and provides a means to secure spots for their children or selected players in various age-group cricket teams.

What role does the DDCA play in this issue?

The DDCA is responsible for promoting cricket in Delhi, but it faces criticism for not effectively addressing the issues of paper clubs and the lack of real cricket infrastructure. Although the DDCA acknowledges that many clubs lack proper facilities, it has not taken strong action against these fraudulent practices.

What financial transactions are associated with these 'paper clubs'?

These clubs often generate money through illegal transactions. For instance, players or their parents may have to pay significant amounts—up to ₹100,000 for each match—to participate in leagues. Additionally, clubs may charge rent to people who lease their 'clubs' for various purposes, with annual rents sometimes reaching up to ₹3-4 lakh.

How does the practice of 'paper clubs' affect young cricketers?

Young cricketers are often exploited in this system. Parents are forced to pay large sums for their children to be part of these clubs, which promises opportunities to play in age-group tournaments and possibly get selected for professional teams. However, these clubs often fail to provide real opportunities, limiting the prospects of these aspiring players.

What is the connection between owning a 'paper club' and election votes in DDCA?

Owning a 'paper club' provides voting power in DDCA elections. Since these clubs have voting rights, they are highly sought after by individuals who want to influence cricket-related decisions, such as team selections and management of cricket events. This voting power has made these clubs valuable, with some even being bought and sold for large sums.

Why does the DDCA not take strong action against 'paper clubs'?

The DDCA is unable or unwilling to take strong action due to the deep-rooted corruption within the system. The clubs’ voting power, along with the involvement of influential individuals, makes it difficult for the DDCA to enforce meaningful reforms or address the issue of fraudulent practices within its structure.

How does the financial manipulation in these clubs impact the integrity of cricket in Delhi?

The financial manipulation in these 'paper clubs' severely undermines the integrity of cricket in Delhi. It creates an uneven playing field, where financial influence often replaces talent and merit. Young cricketers are exploited, and the true spirit of the sport is lost, with monetary considerations taking precedence over skills and potential.