Gautam Gambhir’s Inclusion in the DDCA Managing Committee Comes Under Scanner

Out of favour Indian batsman and a current player of the Delhi Rani Trophy team, Gautam Gambhir’s inclusion as a government nominee in Delhi & Districts Cricket Association’s (DDCA) Managing Committee has come under severe scrutiny due to the conflict of interest issue. As per the Lodha Committee recommendations, an active player cannot be named in the Managing Committee of any state organisation.

Gambhir on Friday took to his twitter handle and broke the news of his nomination in the DDCA Managing Committee and also thanked the Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore. “Had the honour of adjusting fields at Ferozeshah Kotla. Time to adjust ‘corridors’ at DDCA to help restore its glory days. Honoured to be Government Nominee on DDCA Managing Committee. Thanks @Ra_THORe #humbled,” Gambhir wrote.

However as Gambhir is still an active first-class cricketer and as per Lodha Committee recommendations, it will fall under the conflict of interest if he actively takes part in decision making before calling it quits from the game. As and when it comes into effect, the Managing Committee of DDCA will decide on coach and selection committee which will be beneficial for Gambhir if he does remain an active cricketer.

Meanwhile, it has been learnt that Delhi High Court Appointed Administrator of DDCA, Vikramjit Sen was unaware of any such developments of a managing committee in the current set-up.

“I have not received any notification from the government about Gautam Gambhir’s appointment. I am not aware about any managing committee. I will be writing to the sports ministry to seek more details,” said Sen on Saturday

“Also, he is an active cricketer, so I am not sure if Lodha Committee reforms will allow him to take up administrative post,” he further added.

Reports have also emerged that no such managing committee exists in the DDCA as of now ever since the court-appointed administrator took centre stage. One of Gambhir’s close friend said that if the conflict of interest issue pops up, Gambhir won’t take up the post.

“Gautam has no plans to retire and will be playing active cricket. If there is a conflict of interest issue, he will not take up the post,” he said.