Photo Credit: Twitter Profile Photo of @rohanjaitley
A day after a decisive victory in the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) elections, president Rohan Jaitley announced that his administration would address the issue of Delhi selectors sending inflated squads for away matches across age groups. Jaitley has been working to streamline the selection process since his previous term as president.
“I spoke to the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) after I came to know that so many players have been travelling. I can assure you that the matter is being looked into,” Jaitley said during a media interaction.
One of Jaitley’s key initiatives is the establishment of a High-Performance Centre (HPC), a project delayed due to the lack of a permanent venue. The HPC aims to maintain a registered pool of players monitored year-round to eliminate discrepancies in selection.
“We are hoping to have a High-Performance Centre (HPC) where we will have talented players identified by our talent scouts and provided with state-of-the-art training,” Jaitley stated.
Jaitley highlighted the success of the Delhi Premier League T20 (DPLT20), which he organized earlier this year. The tournament, held in August-September, generated significant revenue and helped propel young cricketers into the IPL.
“DPLT20 was organized in a very short span of time. The revenue it generated aside, it has propelled a few young cricketers into the IPL. Priyansh Arya going for Rs 3.80 crore is a classic example. Prince Chaudhary and Vansh Bedi too got deals. Himmat Singh too made a comeback in IPL. Now, the effort is to reinvest the money in the development of cricket,” Jaitley told TOI.
Jaitley also discussed plans for building a new stadium in Delhi, with the DDCA engaging with the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi to secure land for the project.
“We focus on boosting our infrastructure and on the grassroots level. School-level cricket is one area we’re looking to explore to make sure we do good for the city,” he added.
Addressing allegations from his election competitor, former India all-rounder Kirti Azad, regarding fund mismanagement, Jaitley dismissed the claims as baseless.
“If there was a problem or discrepancy, then why weren’t the questions raised in the last three years? It can’t be done in a 30-day build-up to an election; you can’t raise something that didn’t exist. One of the issues he raised was new floodlights. But floodlights were installed in 2021 before the last elections,” Jaitley clarified.
Despite the contentious campaign, Jaitley expressed openness to collaboration with Azad.
“I am being clear that he (Kirti Azad) has been a former cricketer, he has done good for the state and the country. As an association, suggestions are always welcome on what should be done and how it should be done better with time,” Jaitley remarked.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
