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The Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2026 has found itself at the centre of a selection controversy involving New Delhi Tigers player Dev Chaudhary. Videos of Chaudhary's batting and fielding have gone viral on social media, leading to questions over how he secured his place in the tournament.
Amid the growing debate, Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) Secretary Ashok Sharma spoke exclusively to ABP News and explained the selection process, clarifying whether Chaudhary was picked in the auction and whether the DDCA had recommended his name.
Why Is Dev Chaudhary's DPL Selection Facing Questions?
Dev Chaudhary has played two matches for New Delhi Tigers in the ongoing DPL 2026 season. In one game, he was dismissed for a duck after facing two deliveries, while in another, he scored 16 runs from 24 balls.
His performances, along with videos circulating on social media, have triggered a debate among cricket fans. Questions have particularly focused on the process through which he earned a place in the New Delhi Tigers squad.
However, DDCA Secretary Ashok Sharma has now explained that his selection was made under an existing provision in the DPL regulations.
Auction Pick or Direct Selection? DDCA Clears the Confusion
Dev Chaudhary was not selected through the DPL 2026 auction.
Ashok Sharma explained that New Delhi Tigers picked Chaudhary as an on-demand player under the league's existing rules.
According to the DDCA secretary, each franchise can have a 25-player squad. Of these, 22 players are selected through the prescribed auction or registered-player process, while three players can be chosen directly by the franchise as on-demand selections.
New Delhi Tigers used one of those three slots to bring Chaudhary into their squad.
Did DDCA Recommend Dev Chaudhary? Ashok Sharma Gives His Answer
One of the biggest questions surrounding the controversy was whether the DDCA had recommended Chaudhary's name to New Delhi Tigers.
Ashok Sharma made the DDCA's position clear, stating that the association did not recommend Dev Chaudhary to the franchise.
According to Sharma, New Delhi Tigers independently decided to select him using the on-demand player provision available under the DPL rules.
DPL 2026 Player Selection Rules Explained
The DPL auction features players across different categories based on their cricketing experience.
According to Ashok Sharma, these include:
- IPL players
- Ranji Trophy players
- Delhi Under-19 players
- Players who have played Delhi league cricket
Each category has a designated base price. Marquee and IPL players generally have the highest base prices, while other categories have their own prescribed values.
Franchises then select players according to their team requirements and strategy during the auction.
The 3-Player ‘On-Demand’ Rule Behind Dev Chaudhary's Selection
The on-demand provision is at the centre of the Dev Chaudhary controversy.
Ashok Sharma explained that a franchise can select three players outside the main auction process under the existing DPL framework. These players can be selected by the franchise according to the applicable eligibility rules.
New Delhi Tigers used one of these three slots for Chaudhary.
This means his selection was made through a provision already included in the league's regulations rather than through a special recommendation from the DDCA, according to Sharma.
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Why Can DPL Franchises Pick Players After the Auction?
The DPL selection process also allows franchises to address gaps in their squads after the auction.
Ashok Sharma explained that a team may sometimes fail to complete its squad during the auction. In such circumstances, the regulations provide a mechanism for selecting eligible players.
The three on-demand selections form part of this broader squad-building framework.
New Delhi Tigers Decision Explained: How Dev Chaudhary Made the Squad
The New Delhi Tigers franchise exercised its right to select Chaudhary as one of its three on-demand players.
According to the DDCA secretary, this decision was taken by the franchise itself. The association did not nominate or recommend Chaudhary for the spot.
Therefore, the controversy is primarily linked to the way the existing on-demand provision can be used by franchises rather than any claim that the DDCA directly selected the player.
DDCA Discussed the Rules With Franchises Before DPL 2026
Ashok Sharma revealed that the DDCA holds meetings with all participating franchises before the start of a new DPL season.
During these meetings, the association discusses the league's rules, player selection procedures and other important matters.
For the 2026 season, franchises were informed that 22 players could be selected through the prescribed process and three additional players could be picked as on-demand selections, according to Sharma.
Will DDCA Change DPL Selection Rules After Dev Chaudhary Row?
The controversy could now result in a review of the current player-selection system.
Ashok Sharma said the matter will be placed before the DDCA Apex Council. While franchises currently have the right to select three on-demand players, the council can examine the provision if concerns have emerged regarding its implementation.
If the Apex Council believes changes are required, the DDCA could introduce additional eligibility criteria or a revised selection mechanism from the next DPL season.
Dev Chaudhary DPL Row: 6 Key Takeaways From DDCA's Statement
- Dev Chaudhary was not picked in the DPL auction.
- New Delhi Tigers selected him as an on-demand player.
- A franchise can select three on-demand players under the current rules.
- DDCA did not recommend Chaudhary's name, according to Ashok Sharma.
- The on-demand selection provision was discussed with franchises before the DPL 2026 season.
- The DDCA Apex Council may review the rules following the controversy.
What Happens Next in the Dev Chaudhary DPL Controversy?
For now, Chaudhary's selection remains within the existing DPL framework, based on the explanation provided by the DDCA secretary.
However, the controversy has put the spotlight on the transparency and eligibility criteria surrounding on-demand player selections. The DDCA Apex Council's review could determine whether the current system continues unchanged or is modified before the next edition.
If the council decides to make changes, DPL 2027 could feature stricter eligibility requirements or clearer guidelines for direct player selections.
Bottom Line
The Dev Chaudhary DPL 2026 selection controversy has raised questions about the league's player-selection system, particularly the on-demand provision available to franchises.
DDCA Secretary Ashok Sharma has clarified that New Delhi Tigers selected Chaudhary under the existing three-player on-demand rule and that the DDCA did not recommend his name.
With the issue now likely to reach the Apex Council, the next DPL season could see changes to the rules governing on-demand player selections.
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