DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma plays down Dev Chaudhary Fiasco amid Controversy, says 'It happens across India' | Exclusive

The Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2026 has been hit by a controversy surrounding New Delhi Tigers batter Dev Chaudhary, with the episode raising serious questions over the tournament's player-selection rules.

Chaudhary's inclusion in the New Delhi Tigers squad has attracted considerable attention after his performances failed to convince, prompting questions over how he earned his place in the playing XI. The controversy has now shifted focus towards the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) rule that allows franchises to field three players from the local league outside the main auction process.

The player played a couple of matches for New Delhi Tigers, and his unconventional batting and fielding raised eyebrows from the very first instance. He scored a duck in one match and then scored 16 off 24 balls, including defensive batting in five balls of an over within the powerplay.

The rule was introduced to provide opportunities to players performing in Delhi's domestic cricket structure. However, several DDCA officials have reportedly expressed concerns that the provision could be misused and potentially allow players to enter DPL squads without establishing a strong enough performance record.

The Chaudhary episode has intensified those concerns. Importantly, there is no established evidence that Chaudhary himself was involved in any wrongdoing. The larger question is about the system through which he became eligible and was subsequently picked by the franchise.

The DDCA has indicated that it will review the controversial provision after the conclusion of the current DPL season. But the DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma has shrugged off the fiasco, stating it's a normal thing across the country as MyKhel contacted him.

"We don't know anything about Dev Chaudhary. He played one match and got out, and I don't know why the media are after him. This is an incident that has happened all over India."

When asked about a review from the Delhi Cricket Board, he denied, saying, "Why should we give a review on this? It is completely on the franchise. They decide who to sell and buy, we have nothing to do with that."

There is discontentment among DDCA regarding Chaudhary's inclusion as apex council member Shyam Sharma alleged that several players made their inclusion into teams through recommendations.