DDCA Writes to BCCI Over DPL Fixing Claims as Anti-Corruption Probe Looms

DDCA Seeks BCCI Guidance

The Delhi Premier League has come under scrutiny following allegations made during an undercover investigation involving former Ranji Trophy player Rachit Bhatia. The DDCA has now written to the Board of Control for Cricket in India, asking for guidance on how the allegations should be examined.

DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma told Hindustan Times that the association is prepared to hand over available material, including match footage, if requested by the BCCI. The association has also maintained that the allegations have not been established by any competent authority.

The controversy centres on a match between Central Delhi Kings and North Delhi Strikers in the third edition of the DPL. According to the investigation published by Tehelka, Bhatia allegedly provided information about Central Delhi's playing XI before the official announcement. Tehelka said the information matched the team eventually named for the match.

Bhatia also made claims relating to alleged fixing and the passing of information connected with Chennai Super Kings during IPL 2025, as well as alleged spot-fixing during the 2018-19 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. These are allegations from the sting operation and have not been independently established.

Vansh Bedi Also Enters the Investigation

The controversy has drawn attention to Vansh Bedi because of his links with both CSK and the Central Delhi Kings. However, new reporting adds an important part of the story: Bedi reportedly told the anti-corruption authorities about a fixing approach during the DPL. A DDCA official told Times of India that the approach was documented and that the association had anti-corruption officers attached to every team.

This distinction is significant because Bedi's name appearing in allegations does not itself establish wrongdoing. DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma said any player found to have committed an offence would face the consequences, while stressing that conclusions should follow an investigation.

DDCA Points to Anti-Corruption Measures

The association said it had deployed specialised anti-corruption personnel across the eight DPL teams, with officers accompanying teams and staying at their hotels. DDCA said the programme had a budget of around ₹30-35 lakh and that personnel were appointed through the BCCI system.

BCCI's Anti-Corruption Code specifically treats fixing, betting and misuse or disclosure of inside information as offences. It also requires participants to report corrupt approaches or information about possible breaches to the BCCI Anti-Corruption Unit.

The code provides for formal investigations when an allegation or suspicion of a breach arises and allows investigators to seek relevant records, including telephone and internet records, where the rules permit.

Key Takeaways

• DDCA has formally approached the BCCI over allegations linked to DPL 2026.
• The allegations originated from a media sting involving former Ranji player Rachit Bhatia.
• Claims concerning CSK and Vansh Bedi remain allegations and have not been established.
• Bedi has reportedly informed anti-corruption officials about a separate fixing approach.
• DDCA says anti-corruption officers were deployed across all eight DPL teams.
• The BCCI's rules cover fixing, betting and misuse of inside information.

Why This Matters

The immediate issue is now moving from media allegations to the established cricket anti-corruption process. DDCA has said it will cooperate with the BCCI, while the board's regulations provide a framework for investigating allegations and protecting the confidentiality of participants until an offence is formally established.