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The Delhi Premier League (DPL) has landed in a major controversy after videos of New Delhi Tigers all-rounder Dev Chaudhary went viral on social media.
The videos showed Chaudhary struggling badly with both batting and fielding during the ongoing Delhi Premier League 2026. His performances have now raised serious questions about the DPL’s player selection system and put the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) under pressure.
Dev Chaudhary’s unusual batting stance sparks massive Delhi Premier League controversy
The New Delhi Tigers are already having a poor season. They are at the bottom of the eight-team points table with only one win from 10 matches. Dev Chaudhary has played two games as an opener. He was dismissed for a two-ball duck against South Delhi Superstarz before scoring 16 from 24 balls against West Delhi Lions.
His batting against West Delhi Lions left many shocked. His unusual stance and struggle to score against a spinner surprised many people. He played five consecutive dot balls during the powerplay, leading to questions from players, coaches, and fans.
Why the hell would a franchise pay 1 lakh for Dev Chaudhary? What exactly are they seeing here? There are talented young cricketers grinding every single day, waiting for one chance, while players like this are getting picked and taking up those spots. pic.twitter.com/0MRUzNFdk4
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) August 25, 2026
There is also very little known about Chaudhary’s cricket background. He reportedly appeared in a Delhi U19 trial among hundreds of players and later became eligible for the DPL after playing local DDCA League matches for Sporting Club. Amid this, Dodda Ganesh supports Sanjay Manjrekar’s call for action on Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Five DDCA League Games enough for DPL entry?
The controversy has now forced the DDCA to look again at one of its DPL rules. This season, every franchise was allowed to pick three players from the local league after the main auction, provided those players had appeared in at least five DDCA League matches.
The rule was not welcomed within the DDCA Apex Council. Four members, Shyam Sharma, Manjeet Singh, Harish Singla, and Shikha Kumar, had opposed it because they feared the system could allow undeserving players to enter the DPL and create opportunities for corruption.
Despite their concerns, the rule was approved. Apex Council member Shyam Sharma was quoted as saying by PTI: “It has been an absolute shame. I was the first one who had raised my voice about this rule. They made a criterion that five DDCA League games would be enough to qualify for a place in DPL without auction.”
The well-known lawyer further said, “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.”
DDCA set to review DPL selection rule
Now, after the controversy surrounding Chaudhary, the DDCA is all set to review the system at the end of the tournament with the Delhi Premier League’s selection process and the state association’s administration facing serious questions.
DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma said, “The rule will be reviewed once the tournament is over.”
Dev Chaudhary’s DPL selection raises eyebrows after shocking club revelation
On the other hand, it is being said that Dev Chaudhary was recommended by former India U19 and Delhi pacer Pradeep Sangwan. After watching him play two matches, a senior club official reportedly told Dev’s father that his son was not good enough and should not return.
Dev then stopped coming to the club. So, when the club members later saw him playing in the DPL, they were surprised and questioned how he was selected for the tournament.
