Who is Dev Chaudhary? Amateur player at the heart of DPL selection controversy

Dev Chaudhary (Pic: DDCA)

The Delhi Premier League (DPL) found itself mired in controversy after New Delhi Tigers played a little-known cricketer named Dev Chaudhary. The decision has drawn considerable criticism for the Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA), forcing the governing body to re-examine a rule that permits franchises to sign three local league players post-auction.

The New Delhi Tigers currently languish at the bottom of the eight-team table with just one win from ten matches. Dev opened the batting in two games, recording a two-ball duck against South Delhi Superstarz followed by a slow 16 off 24 balls against West Delhi Lions.

During the second match, his unusual batting stance and inability to hit runs, including playing five dot balls against a spinner inside the Powerplay, ignited widespread scepticism among players, coaches, and fans.

Dev's cricketing background remains largely unknown, aside from an appearance at a Delhi U-19 trial alongside hundreds of hopefuls. He qualified for the DPL by appearing in local DDCA League matches for Sporting Club.

How DPL franchises exploited the rule loophole

This season's DPL rules allowed all eight teams to select three players outside the auction, provided they had featured in at least five DDCA League matches. The policy faced strong pushback from Apex Council members Shyam Sharma, Manjeet Singh, Harish Singla, and Shikha Kumar over corruption fears, but it was passed regardless.

Speaking on the issue, Apex Council member Shyam Sharma said.

"It has been an absolute shame. I was the first one who had raised my voice about this rule. They made a criteria that five DDCA League games would be enough to qualify for a place in DPL without auction. Now I had asked on the forum, what if that guy hasn't performed and picked. Dev Chaudhary has been exposed but there are many players like this who have come into the teams on recommendations," Apex Council member and noted lawyer Shyam Sharma alleged while speaking to PTI on Wednesday.

When asked about the situation, DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma confirmed that rule will be reviewed at the end of the tournament.

"The Rule will be reviewed once the tournament is over."

(With inputs from PTI)