The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has written to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after former Ranji Trophy player Rachit Bhatia made match-fixing allegations. Bhatia made the claims linked to the third edition of the Delhi Premier League (DPL) during a media sting operation.
The allegations have raised questions about the integrity of the DPL, which provides a platform for cricketers in Delhi. The BCCI Anti-Corruption Unit could examine the matter if the allegations warrant further investigation. Similar cases in the past have led to disciplinary action against players and officials.
DDCA Writes to BCCI After DPL Match-Fixing Allegations
Rachit Bhatia played two T20 matches for Nagaland during the 2018-19 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Bhatia allegedly told the undercover reporter that he could provide the Central Delhi Kings’ playing XI before its official announcement.
The DDCA has written to the BCCI and said it is ready to provide all available material related to the claims. DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma said the association would follow whatever instructions it receives from the national board.
“We have written to the board. Whatever the BCCI asks us to do, we will do it. If the board asks us for video footage, we will provide that, too,” Ashok told Hindustan Times.
“Whatever the board requests, we will provide whatever is available to us. Now, as for whether the board takes it to the level of verifying their telephonic recordings, that won’t happen unless you involve the crime branch or Delhi Police,” he added.
DDCA Reveals Rs 30-35 Lakh Anti-Corruption Setup for DPL
The DDCA has also highlighted the anti-corruption measures in place during the third edition of the DPL. The association had a dedicated anti-corruption package worth around Rs 30-35 lakh for the tournament.
Ashok Sharma said BCCI-appointed anti-corruption officers were assigned to all eight teams. They travelled with the teams, stayed at their hotels and monitored the players throughout the tournament.
“We had a special anti-corruption package of 30-35 lakh rupees during the DPL. The board’s anti-SLOs had deployed specialised officers. They accompanied every bus and stayed in the hotels.”
“Our budget of 30 lakh rupees was approved for this. And they were appointed directly by the Board. We always engage anti-corruption personnel directly through the Board. We never hire them privately.”
The claims have raised questions about how the alleged access to team information could have taken place despite these measures. However, the sting operation itself does not establish that any DPL match was fixed, and the allegations would need to be independently investigated.
Ashok Sharma Warns of Consequences if DPL Allegations Are Proven
The DDCA has maintained that the footage shown in the sting operation contains allegations that still need to be verified. Ashok Sharma said the association would not protect any individual if an investigation establishes wrongdoing.
“As for the evidence being shown in the sting operation, well, it is just a recording. What you are showing, what actually happened or didn’t happen, these are all just statements. But if it gets proven, then no matter which player is involved, the nation comes first, and then our DDCA; an individual doesn’t matter.”
“Because this is such a major project (DPL) of ours, it has been running for the last three years. The future of thousands of kids who play is at stake. If this gets suspended by any chance, or if something happens, think about the loss we will face. And second, the biggest thing is our integrity within DDCA. Speaking for myself, having spent so many years here precisely because no one has ever pointed a finger at us. It’s purely our passion,” he added.
The sting operation also included claims about a player who allegedly provided CSK-related information during the 2025 IPL season. The published report did not name the player.
Social media users have speculated about possible identities, including young all-rounder Vansh Bedi, who was part of CSK’s 2025 squad and also played for Central Delhi Kings in the DPL. However, the published report does not identify Bedi as the alleged
Source: cricketaddictor.com
