Cricket association in Delhi under scanner

NEW DELHI: The Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) is trying to stave off allegations that betting took place in its premises on the day of the India-Sri Lanka match.

A sting operation by a news channel showed footage of a man sitting in a bar and talking on the telephone to Dubai-based bookies, allegedly in the presence of certain DDCA officials. The timing of the operation and the claims made by the channel could not have come at a worse time for the association. There is a huge backlash against the national team after its first-round exit from cricket’s premier tournament.

BJP leader Arun Jaitley, who heads the DDCA, convened a meeting on Monday to assess the gravity of the situation. A top DDCA official told DNA: “We have asked the television channel to give us details of the report so that we can look into the matter. At the moment, there is nothing to suggest any wrongdoing. We cannot charge anybody without evidence.”

The official said the allegation appears to be unfounded. “The club bar, where the footage was shot, is licensed,” he said. “The bar is used by hundreds of outsiders and no office-bearer or member is involved. Neither is there any substantive material.”