Unrest in DDCA: Sharma's Eligibility Under Scrutiny, Tihara Demands New Polls

Rising Tensions in Delhi Cricket Circles

Unrest has once again taken hold of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) as former secretary Vinod Tihara has called for a Special General Meeting to hold fresh elections for the secretary position. This comes after Tihara sent several emails to the Apex Council, emphasizing that current secretary Ashok Sharma will be disqualified from holding his position by September 30.

In a detailed 28-page document addressed to all office bearers, Tihara included annexures that support his claims. He highlighted that Sharma will complete a cumulative tenure of nine years in office as an Apex Council Member by the end of September 2025. According to Tihara, this will trigger disqualification under the BCCI's Constitution, as enforced by the Supreme Court of India through the Lodha Committee report, and the revised DDCA Constitution adopted in August 2018.

Disputes Over Eligibility

There has been significant discussion within the DDCA over this matter in recent weeks. Some members argue that Sharma was not an "office bearer" during his previous terms and is therefore still eligible to continue. However, one influential member of the cricket body expressed frustration with the ongoing debates.

"There are too many theories floating around. One says something, one says another. Whatever it is, let's get done with it now. The season is on us, and the last thing DDCA needs right now is more confusion and chaos. If Ashok Sharma is not eligible, then there shouldn't be a problem for fresh elections. We should stick to the rules. Cricket can't suffer," the member said.

Ashok Sharma’s Response

Ashok Sharma, the current secretary, defended his position, stating that he is following the Lodha Committee guidelines. He claimed that if he were not eligible, he would not have contested the elections in the first place. Sharma drew a comparison to Rajeev Shukla, saying their cases are similar.

"The allegations are false and there is no truth in them," Sharma told TimesofIndia.com.

Despite these statements, President Rohan Jaitley has not responded to requests for comment. The story will be updated as soon as he provides a response.

A Close Contest in 2024

The tension between Tihara and Sharma is not new. During the 2024 elections for the secretary position, both candidates had a very close contest, with Tihara losing by a margin of 149 votes. As the domestic season approaches, the uncertainty surrounding the secretary position could negatively impact cricketing matters in the region.

Delays in Appointing Support Staff

Compounding the issues, the DDCA has yet to finalize its support staff for the 2025-26 season. Months after accepting applications for various positions, the state cricket body remains in discussions about who will lead the team. Other states in the country have already begun participating in preparatory tournaments like KSCA and Buchi Babu, while also conducting training camps. In contrast, the DDCA continues to face delays in making key appointments.

This lack of progress raises concerns about the readiness of the DDCA as the cricket season approaches. With so much at stake, the need for clarity and decisive action has never been more urgent. The coming weeks will be critical in determining how the DDCA handles these challenges and whether it can maintain its standing in the world of Indian cricket.