Under-fire DDCA to set up panel for happiness
NEW DELHI: The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) never ceases to surprise. This time it is with a bizarre committee that is assigned the job of spreading cheer. Called the ‘Happiness Committee’, its job is to boost the morale of players, officials and its staff.
The DDCA has been hit by so many controversies over the last few years that everyone associated with it has been affected. While pending payments and dues to Delhi cricketers, umpires and other officials have grabbed the limelight, almost every other day court cases are filed, and charges and counter-charges are reported to the police, causing much heartburn, altercations, and at times, even scuffles.
“This concept is from corporate governance, adopted in many European country (sic) for the welfare of employee and its members. The aim is to keep every members, cricketers, and staff happy and satisfied as one family. All the grievances, if any, shall be taken (up) by this committee,” the DDCA said in a statement on the happiness panel. The move was in response to a scathing report submitted to the Delhi high court by Justice (retd) Mukul Mudgal, which was made public on Monday.
CRITICISING OFFICIALS
In his 27-page report, Justice Mudgal has criticised many top officials and even recommended that the DDCA’s functioning be taken over by its parent body, BCCI.
He was the observer during the South Africa Test in December and the World T20 and IPL matches.The Mudgal report, among other things, said there was a lack of transparency and accountability in the DDCA.
On Tuesday, the DDCA officials called a news conference to refute Mudgal’s observations.
DDCA president SP Bansal, who is under the scanner over corruption allegations and was removed from the post, said: “I sent at least 10 mails to Justice Mudgal to give me good work and consult me, but he didn’t reply.”
Sports Working Committee convenor Vinod Tihara said, “I feel he is being misguided and misinformed by those who don’t wish well for DDCA.”