New Delhi: The Delhi High Court-appointed observer Justice Mukul Mudgal has given a scathing report on the Delhi and Districts Cricket Association's (DDCA) functioning during this year's IPL with strong observations against a few senior DDCA office-bearers.
In his 27-page report on DDCA functioning, Mudgal has criticised that "despite being formed in 1883, and granted affiliation in the year 1928, and even after having conducted many Tests and other international matches at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground, any match assigned to DDCA for reasons best known the office bearers of DDCA is dependant on last minute preparations and permissions."
However, Mudgal's most stinging observations were kept for current BCCI and DDCA vice-president CK Khanna.
On Page 14 and 15 under Topic No V 'Role of various functionaries of DDCA' (sub-headers A to E), the former Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court gave his observations on Khanna.
As per V (B) "the most pernicious influence affecting DDCA's administration is ever present MR CK Khanna, who is vice-president of DDCA for several years and also happens to be vice-president of BCCI, though from Central Zone. He controls large number of proxies and accordingly has strong hold in DDCA.
He excels in evading responsibility and claiming credit for an achievement by someone else. His paramount interests are peddling of complementaries to gain favours and satisfy proxy interest, and mounting dais repeatedly for presentations. He craves for every photo opportunity.
Mudgal, who also probed the IPL spot-fixing scandal, pointed out at potential conflict of interest for Khanna.
"He has planted his relatives in various positions in DDCA, for example a) Anil Khanna (general Secretary, first cousin) b) Ravi Khanna, Patron (brother) c) Vivek Gupta, Joint Secretary (Wife's first cousin). This is a clear case of Conflict of Interest.
He further added: "Mr CK Khanna is one person whose latent actions along with his proxy controlled acolytes have brought down the reputation of DDCA. Delhi which has given several great cricketers to the Indian cricket team including the present Test captain, now languishes in second tier of Ranji Trophy. All those who want to work only in interest and betterment of cricket are hampered and prevented at every stage by the influence of CK Khanna. A restoration of erstwhile glory may not be possible with Mr CK Khanna controlling the affairs of DDCA."
While concluding, Mudgal said that the current state of DDCA requires scrutiny of BCCI.
"It is advisable that the DDCA has a full-time CEO, who independently looks after administrative and financial aspects of DDCA to ensure continuity and smooth functioning of DDCA.
BCCI, as a parent body, must ensure that DDCA is transparent in its functioning as it is a public body responsible for promoting cricket in Delhi," he said.
"It is for BCCI to decide whether to constitute a specialised ad-hoc body or a committee to take over and manage the affairs of DDCA to improve situation in the interest of cricket so that Feroz Shah again becomes a venue which has international standards of upkeep," he concluded.
