CBI probe puts India v South Africa 4th Test in doubt

CBI probe puts India v South Africa 4th Test in doubt: The 4th and final Test between India and South Africa scheduled at the Ferozeshah Kotla from December 3-7, has run into uncertainty after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) swung into action and began preliminary enquiry into Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) on Monday. The probe is expected to cover a range of allegations made by former India allrounder Kirti Azad.

According to reports, the CBI has already started probing over charges that include that of illegal occupation of government land without a proper lease, age-fudging allegations, sub-leasing of corporate boxes at the Kotla to private companies, instances of embezzlement and usage of fake bills by officials.

The Delhi cricket administrators are alleged to have illegally occupied government land without a proper lease. Delhi government has also slapped a notice of Rs 24 crore for non-payment of entertainment tax in the last several years by underpricing ticket prices for the most coveted stands, according to a report in DNA.

The newspaper also stated that BCCI has sent a notice asking the DDCA if it can hold the fourth Test under these circumstances.

“BCCI has asked us about our preparation to host the match,” DDCA president Sneh Bhansal told the paper. “If the DDCA realises that it is unable to host the match, we will inform the BCCI well in advance about it so that they can take an appropriate call into the matter,” he added.

The Cricket governing body in the state of Delhi has been in constant controversy with Virender Sehwag, an icon player switching to Haryana for this Ranji season. Sehwag had threatened in 2009 only to stop playing for Delhi because of nepotism and corruption.

With several corruption charges against senior members including president Sneh Bansal, the DDCA has failed to submit the balance sheet for the year 2013-14.

Former India player Surinder Khanna said, “There is no system/ administration in Delhi cricket. It’s high time BCCI appointed a committee to run the affairs of cricket in DDCA in a transparent manner.”