DDCA writes to BCCI after match-fixing allegations surface in Delhi Premier League sting

The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has written to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after a media sting operation surfaced allegations of match-fixing in the Delhi Premier League (DPL).

DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma confirmed on Tuesday, September 22 that the association has reached out to the BCCI for instructions on how to proceed with the matter. Former Ranji Trophy player Rachit Bhatia, who was unaware he was being filmed, allegedly revealed that he had shared valuable information ahead of the toss.

The sting operation conducted by Tehelka was centred on Game 7 of the DPL’s third edition, a match played between Central Delhi Kings and North Delhi Strikers at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Bhatia also claimed to have fixed matches involving Chennai Super Kings during the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League and to have engaged in spot-fixing during the 2018-19 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. According to available records, Bhatia played two T20s for Nagaland in that season, taking two wickets.

“Why should we jump to conclusions right away? Once we receive an official letter from the BCCI, we’ll have our anti-corruption department check everything and verify all his details, phone records, and whatever else is possible at that time, because the anti-corruption department at that time belonged to the BCCI. So that entire system was managed by them. Whatever BCCI says and whatever the president says, we will abide by it,” Sharma, speaking to Hindustan Times, outlined the association’s position clearly.

What steps has the DDCA already taken to address the allegations?

The DDCA confirmed that it had an anti-corruption framework in place during the DPL itself. The association had allocated a dedicated budget for anti-corruption measures during the tournament and had engaged personnel directly through the BCCI rather than through any private arrangement.

“As for us, 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. We had already prepared in advance to prevent this kind of thing. So our SLOs were present with every team. They were stationed with all eight teams. 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,” Sharma said.

The DDCA also addressed the nature of the evidence captured in the sting, noting that the recordings alone do not constitute proof. The association stressed the importance of its own integrity and the wider impact any suspension of the DPL could have on the thousands of young cricketers who participate in the tournament, which has been running for three years.

“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,” Sharma stated.

What is the confirmed next step in the administrative process?

The DDCA has made clear that its next actions will be determined entirely by the BCCI’s response to its written communication. The association indicated it is prepared to hand over video footage and any other available material if the board requests it, while acknowledging that deeper investigative steps such as verifying telephonic recordings would require the involvement of law enforcement agencies.

“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. 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,” Sharma said.

Regarding Bhatia, and specifically the player that was used as his contact for the leaks, the DDCA acknowledged his association with the setup and indicated that any investigation would determine whether the allegations against him hold. Bhatia had revealed in the sting that the player was a regular feature for Delhi.

“He is in our team, he is fully part of it, and he has played for the state from here… If fingers are pointed at him and an investigation takes place, then if he has done something, he will face the consequences. And if he hasn’t, he will come out clean,” Sharma said.