The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) is reportedly set to remove Ashu Dani following his alleged involvement in the tainted Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL) held in Jammu and Kashmir. On Monday, the DDCA issued a statement saying that “appropriate action shall be taken against the individual,” confirming their intent to investigate and act against those connected to the unauthorized tournament.

The IHPL, which featured international cricket stars like Chris Gayle and Martin Guptill, recently made headlines for all the wrong reasons after its organizers allegedly fled due to unpaid dues, leaving players and hotel staff stranded. Surinder Khanna and Ashu Dani, who were reportedly serving as mentor and president of the league respectively, are both associated with the DDCA. Khanna was a member of the Cricket Advisory Committee, while Dani served as chief junior selector. According to reports, the DDCA is preparing to release both from their official duties.

A top DDCA official told The Times of India, “There’s a criminal case filed against Dani. It is expected he will resign himself, although he claims he is innocent. Or else DDCA will have to think of another action. As for Khanna, his role had finished once the selection committees and coaches were appointed for the season. His job was to recommend names for these jobs. He is unlikely to be involved further in the season.”

DDCA’s Stand on Unauthorized Leagues

Following the controversy, Mehak Khanna, daughter of Surinder Khanna, denied the claims, saying the report was incorrect and her father had “absolutely no involvement” with the league. “Mr. Surender Khanna has no relation to the league whatsoever past, present or future and was invited as a guest. He is not, and has never been, connected to the League’s planning, financials, administration, arrangements, organisation or continuation in any capacity whatsoever,” she told OneCricket.

She further clarified, “To the best of our knowledge and belief, the League is solely owned and organized by YUVA Society. Neither Mr. Khanna is a member, caretaker or office bearer, nor is he connected in any way to the said society. All decisions regarding the creation, conduct and discontinuation of the league rest exclusively with YUVA Society and its organizers.”

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Meanwhile, the DDCA had already issued a warning to all stakeholders, including players, coaches, and officials, instructing them to avoid involvement in unapproved or unauthorized tournaments. The statement read, “During their engagement with the DDCA, they are required to refrain from association with or participation in any unapproved, unauthorized, or unrecognized league, matches or tournaments, whether being held within the state or elsewhere.”

The DDCA also emphasized that any conflict of interest or violation would invite disciplinary measures. The statement further noted, “The players, coaches, support staff and match officials are expected to disclose any such relationship or possible conflict of interest immediately... appropriate action shall be taken against the individual.”

After 12 matches of the IHPL were played in Kashmir, the league collapsed when no players turned up for the 13th match between Uri Panthers and Gulmarg Royals on Sunday due to unpaid dues and unresolved financial issues.