The Delhi &amp; District Cricket Association (DDCA) election process kick-started on Thursday (Dec 13) as former India World Cup winner Kirti Azad runs for the top post. With the elections set to take place between 13 and 15 December, Azad has promised a series of initiatives in his manifesto in running for the president’s post. Altogether 3748 members are likely to vote in the elections on three days with the vote counting taking place on Monday (Dec 16).

<h2>Azad addresses media ahead of elections</h2>

In this address to the media, Azad said, “The members of DDCA have long been denied their rightful status under the sun. The grants that the association has been receiving have been mismanaged. There is no proper auditing of the books of accounts. Members of the association have borne the brunt of facilities being denied which is rightfully theirs. More importantly, DDCA, under Rohan Jaitley, have failed to upgrade the stadium infrastructure as was promised”.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-gabba-test-preview-redemption-or-repetition-india-australia-gear-up-for-blockbuster-clash-783727">BGT, Gabba Test Preview: Redemption or repetition? India-Australia gear up for blockbuster clash</a>

The panel led by Azad has made eye-catching promises if they come into power including world-class facilities for players and members. The manifesto also includes grassroots developments for women’s cricket and community engagement.

Under the transformative 10-point agenda, Azad will exercise his power to build a world-class members block, automatic life membership for senior citizens, automated entry cards and others.

Currently, the panel is headed by the son of former Union Minister Arun Jaitley–Rohan but will face a tough fight in the three-day elections if his panel is to return to power.

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) election process kick-started on Thursday (Dec 13) as former India World Cup winner Kirti Azad runs for the top post.

The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) election process kick-started on Thursday (Dec 13) as former India World Cup winner Kirti Azad runs for the top post. With the elections set to take place between 13 and 15 December, Azad has promised a series of initiatives in his manifesto in running for the president’s post. Altogether 3748 members are likely to vote in the elections on three days with the vote counting taking place on Monday (Dec 16). Azad addresses media ahead of elections In this address to the media, Azad said, “The members of DDCA have long been denied their rightful status under the sun. The grants that the association has been receiving have been mismanaged. There is no proper auditing of the books of accounts. Members of the association have borne the brunt of facilities being denied which is rightfully theirs. More importantly, DDCA, under Rohan Jaitley, have failed to upgrade the stadium infrastructure as was promised”. ALSO READ | BGT, Gabba Test Preview: Redemption or repetition? India-Australia gear up for blockbuster clash The panel led by Azad has made eye-catching promises if they come into power including world-class facilities for players and members. The manifesto also includes grassroots developments for women’s cricket and community engagement. Under the transformative 10-point agenda, Azad will exercise his power to build a world-class members block, automatic life membership for senior citizens, automated entry cards and others. Currently, the panel is headed by the son of former Union Minister Arun Jaitley–Rohan but will face a tough fight in the three-day elections if his panel is to return to power. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Indian World Cup winner Kirti Azad makes big promises ahead of DDCA elections

India’s World Cup winner&nbsp;Kirti Azad’s latest social media post has created quite a stir in the cricket circuit surrounding speculations on Virat Kohli’s future in T20I cricket. Taking to the micro-blogging website X (previously known as Twitter), Azad revealed that BCCI secretary Jay Shah had asked chief selector Ajit Agarkar to convince others to drop Kohli for the T20 World Cup (to be held in June in the Caribbean and the USA).

A Telegraph report last week broke the internet claiming that India veteran Virat could face omission from the squad for the marquee event for his inability to make runs on slower pitches.&nbsp;

While people close to the information admitted this report to be false, Azad’s latest post contradicts it.

Azad said Shah had given Agarkar time till March 15 to convey the message to the decision-makers within and even Captain Rohit Sharma to drop Kohli for the T20 World Cup.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hardik-pandya-reveals-how-his-plan-to-return-to-indian-world-cup-squad-was-derailed-701080">Hardik Pandya reveals how his plan to return to Indian World Cup squad was derailed</a>

As per sources, Rohit declined, saying he needs Kohli at any cost for&nbsp;the ICC event.

Without mentioning any name, Azad even said, “Nincompoops should not involve themselves in the selection process.”

His post read,&nbsp;“Why should Jay Shah, he is not a selector, to give responsibility to Ajit Agarkar to talk to the other selectors and convince them that Virat Kohli is not getting a place in the T20 team. For this, time was given till 15th March. If sources are to be believed, Ajit Agarkar was neither able to convince himself nor the other selectors. Jay Shah asked Rohit Sharma too, but Rohit said we need Virat Kohli at any cost. Virat Kohli will play the T20 World Cup, and its official announcement will be made before the team selection. 
Nincompoops&nbsp;should not involve themselves in the selection process. 
@imVkohli @ImRo45 @BCCI

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Why should Jay Shah, he is not a selector, to give responsibility to Ajit Agarkar to talk to the other selectors and convince them that Virat Kohli is not getting a place in the T20 team. For this, time was given till 15th March. If sources are to be believed, Ajit Agarkar was… <a href="https://t.co/FyaJSClOLw">pic.twitter.com/FyaJSClOLw</a>
— Kirti Azad (@KirtiAzaad) <a href="https://twitter.com/KirtiAzaad/status/1769211440693674359?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Kohli returns to IPL after the break</h2>

Virat Kohli missed the England Test series for the birth of his second child and has joined his IPL team – Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), ahead of the 17th edition beginning on March 22 in Chennai.&nbsp;

RCB and Chennai Super Kings will play IPL 2024 opener.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the T20 World Cup will begin shortly after the IPL 2024, the final schedule of which is yet to be announced.&nbsp;

For the record, India last won the T20 World Cup in 2007 – the inaugural edition in South Africa.&nbsp;

India’s World Cup winner Kirti Azad’s latest social media post has created quite a stir in the cricket circuit surrounding speculations on Virat Kohli’s future in T20I cricket.

India’s World Cup winner Kirti Azad’s latest social media post has created quite a stir in the cricket circuit surrounding speculations on Virat Kohli’s future in T20I cricket. Taking to the micro-blogging website X (previously known as Twitter), Azad revealed that BCCI secretary Jay Shah had asked chief selector Ajit Agarkar to convince others to drop Kohli for the T20 World Cup (to be held in June in the Caribbean and the USA). A Telegraph report last week broke the internet claiming that India veteran Virat could face omission from the squad for the marquee event for his inability to make runs on slower pitches. While people close to the information admitted this report to be false, Azad’s latest post contradicts it. Azad said Shah had given Agarkar time till March 15 to convey the message to the decision-makers within and even Captain Rohit Sharma to drop Kohli for the T20 World Cup. ALSO READ: Hardik Pandya reveals how his plan to return to Indian World Cup squad was derailed As per sources, Rohit declined, saying he needs Kohli at any cost for the ICC event. Without mentioning any name, Azad even said, “Nincompoops should not involve themselves in the selection process.” His post read, “Why should Jay Shah, he is not a selector, to give responsibility to Ajit Agarkar to talk to the other selectors and convince them that Virat Kohli is not getting a place in the T20 team. For this, time was given till 15th March. If sources are to be believed, Ajit Agarkar was neither able to convince himself nor the other selectors. Jay Shah asked Rohit Sharma too, but Rohit said we need Virat Kohli at any cost. Virat Kohli will play the T20 World Cup, and its official announcement will be made before the team selection. Nincompoops should not involve themselves in the selection process. @imVkohli @ImRo45 @BCCI Why should Jay Shah, he is not a selector, to give responsibility to Ajit Agarkar to talk to the other selectors and convince them that Virat Kohli is not getting a place in the T20 team. For this, time was given till 15th March. If sources are to be believed, Ajit Agarkar was… pic.twitter.com/FyaJSClOLw — Kirti Azad (@KirtiAzaad) March 17, 2024 × Kohli returns to IPL after the break Virat Kohli missed the England Test series for the birth of his second child and has joined his IPL team – Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), ahead of the 17th edition beginning on March 22 in Chennai. RCB and Chennai Super Kings will play IPL 2024 opener. Meanwhile, the T20 World Cup will begin shortly after the IPL 2024, the final schedule of which is yet to be announced. For the record, India last won the T20 World Cup in 2007 – the inaugural edition in South Africa.

Rohit refuses to drop Kohli for T20 World Cup, sends clear message to Jay Shah – Reports

A lot has transpired in Indian cricket recently. Following Rohit Sharma's appointment as the ODI captain, replacing Virat Kohli, there was a lot of noise in the cricketing fraternity. Kohli addressed the media in a press conference before the team's departure for South Africa and rubbished rift rumours with Hitman. However, he contradicted from BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly's claims saying that the latter had never asked him to reconsider quitting as T20I captain.

Further, Kohli also told that he had no prior communication with the board members or selectors before his sacking as ODI skipper. In addition, he said that he was always available for the SA ODIs, contrary to the claims by a board member. Hence, former Indian cricketer and ex-selector Kirti Azad has opened up on the whole controversy.&nbsp;

Azad, the 1983 World Cup-winning member, reflected on his days as a national selector during the infamous Greg Chappell-Ganguly episode and feels the current BCCI President should've handled the captaincy row in a better way.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-sa-virat-kohli-on-cusp-of-entering-8000-run-club-ahead-of-test-series-opener-in-centurion-438799">India vs SA: Virat Kohli on cusp of entering 8,000-run club ahead of Test series opener in Centurio</a>n

Azad told News18, "I remember how Bishan Bedi was dethroned, how Sunil Gavaskar was dethroned. Venkataraghavan was in his flight and when he landed, he was replaced as captain. At least, Sourav should have realised through his own experience."

"I remember I had defended him when Greg Chappell was coach and he was dropped as captain. He should have learnt from his own example and spoken to Virat much earlier. I am not saying Virat is a special case. Yes, he is a special batter and a special cricketer. He leads by example," he further added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-kanerias-t20-xi-of-2021-features-bumrah-rishabh-pant-2-more-indians-438786">No Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma! Kaneria's T20 XI of 2021 features Bumrah, Rishabh Pant &amp; 2 more Indians</a>

Before Kohli's explosive presser, former Indian captain Md Azharuddin had tweeted saying, "Virat Kohli has informed that he's not available for the ODI series &amp; Rohit Sharma is unavailable fr d upcoming test. There is no harm in takin a break but d timing has to be better. This just substantiates speculation abt d rift. Neither wil be giving up d other form of cricket."

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Virat Kohli has informed that he's not available for the ODI series &amp; Rohit Sharma is unavailable fr d upcoming test. There is no harm in takin a break but d timing has to be better. This just substantiates speculation abt d rift. Neither wil be giving up d other form of cricket.
— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) <a href="https://twitter.com/azharflicks/status/1470655304194936833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In this regard, Azad feels BCCI could have been more professional and should've ideally communicated with Kohli as all the rift rumours with Rohit and his current rusty term with the board could've been easily avoided. "I feel that it should have been done in a more proper manner. BCCI should have been a little more professional on a cricketing front and with Sourav at the helm, especially when a former captain had tweeted about a rift, a speculation that had been going on. These things should not come out in the public and a captain who has given so much, Virat Kohli, should have been informed well in advance," the 1983 WC winner&nbsp;opined.

A lot has transpired in Indian cricket recently. Following Rohit Sharma's appointment as the ODI captain, replacing Virat Kohli, there was a lot of noise in the cricketing fraternity.

A lot has transpired in Indian cricket recently. Following Rohit Sharma's appointment as the ODI captain, replacing Virat Kohli, there was a lot of noise in the cricketing fraternity. Kohli addressed the media in a press conference before the team's departure for South Africa and rubbished rift rumours with Hitman. However, he contradicted from BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly's claims saying that the latter had never asked him to reconsider quitting as T20I captain. Further, Kohli also told that he had no prior communication with the board members or selectors before his sacking as ODI skipper. In addition, he said that he was always available for the SA ODIs, contrary to the claims by a board member. Hence, former Indian cricketer and ex-selector Kirti Azad has opened up on the whole controversy. Azad, the 1983 World Cup-winning member, reflected on his days as a national selector during the infamous Greg Chappell-Ganguly episode and feels the current BCCI President should've handled the captaincy row in a better way. ALSO READ | India vs SA: Virat Kohli on cusp of entering 8,000-run club ahead of Test series opener in Centurion Azad told News18, "I remember how Bishan Bedi was dethroned, how Sunil Gavaskar was dethroned. Venkataraghavan was in his flight and when he landed, he was replaced as captain. At least, Sourav should have realised through his own experience." "I remember I had defended him when Greg Chappell was coach and he was dropped as captain. He should have learnt from his own example and spoken to Virat much earlier. I am not saying Virat is a special case. Yes, he is a special batter and a special cricketer. He leads by example," he further added. ALSO READ | No Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma! Kaneria's T20 XI of 2021 features Bumrah, Rishabh Pant & 2 more Indians Before Kohli's explosive presser, former Indian captain Md Azharuddin had tweeted saying, "Virat Kohli has informed that he's not available for the ODI series & Rohit Sharma is unavailable fr d upcoming test. There is no harm in takin a break but d timing has to be better. This just substantiates speculation abt d rift. Neither wil be giving up d other form of cricket." Virat Kohli has informed that he's not available for the ODI series & Rohit Sharma is unavailable fr d upcoming test. There is no harm in takin a break but d timing has to be better. This just substantiates speculation abt d rift. Neither wil be giving up d other form of cricket. — Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) December 14, 2021 × In this regard, Azad feels BCCI could have been more professional and should've ideally communicated with Kohli as all the rift rumours with Rohit and his current rusty term with the board could've been easily avoided. "I feel that it should have been done in a more proper manner. BCCI should have been a little more professional on a cricketing front and with Sourav at the helm, especially when a former captain had tweeted about a rift, a speculation that had been going on. These things should not come out in the public and a captain who has given so much, Virat Kohli, should have been informed well in advance," the 1983 WC winner opined.

Sourav Ganguly should've learnt from Greg Chappell episode: Ex-selector on BCCI-Virat Kohli row

BCCI named Rohit Sharma as India's ODI captain on Wednesday (December 8). Thus, Rohit has now replaced Virat Kohli as the new limited-overs captain along with also being promoted as the Test vice-captain.&nbsp;

"The All-India Senior Selection Committee also decided to name Mr Rohit Sharma as the Captain of the ODI &amp; T20I teams going forward,"&nbsp;BCCI said in&nbsp;a statement while announcing the 18-man squad for the upcoming South Africa Tests.

Many believe Kohli's ODI captaincy was always under the radar ever since he decided to step down as the T20I skipper, citing workload issues. Hence, former India international Kirti Azad feels there's nothing wrong in Rohit's appointment as the limited-overs captain.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-being-able-to-win-icc-title-mightve-cost-virat-kohli-the-odi-captaincy-former-indian-wicketkeeper-435848">Not being able to win ICC title might've cost Virat Kohli the ODI captaincy: Former Indian wicketkeeper</a>

"Well, change is constant. This happens Rohit has been doing well and Virat had said that he wanted to be away from the captaincy in limited-overs. So, the right person to get into his place is Rohit Sharma. That's a call by the selectors. Virat wanted it but selectors thought that Rohit Sharma should come in and that's about it. I don't find anything wrong with it," said Azad while speaking to news agency ANI.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/easier-to-destroy-a-team-former-india-cricketer-blasts-selectors-for-removing-virat-kohli-as-odi-captain-435851">'Easier to destroy a team': Former India cricketer blasts selectors for removing Virat Kohli as ODI captain</a>

Kirti Azad also opined on Ajinkya Rahane's sacking as the Test vice-captain and said, "Every game that you play is a different game than the other. Yes, when you compare people you show records you say this guy was better and that guy was better. Somebody has got more centuries than the other but that doesn't mean one is better than the other. The importance of a player is not measured by his captaincy. Rahane is a very good player. His form was not good and keeping that in mind selectors have taken away the vice-captaincy. We try to read too much into it."

Coming to Rohit, he has led India whenever Kohli was rested and has already guided the national side to Nidahas Trophy and Asia Cup titles, both in 2018. He is also a proven leader in IPL, being the most-successful captain in the tournament with five titles for Mumbai Indians (MI).&nbsp;

Thus, Rohit-Rahul Dravid are now expected to end India's eight-year-long ICC-title drought in the coming years, which is filled with plenty of ICC events in white-ball formats.

BCCI named Rohit Sharma as India's ODI captain on Wednesday (December 8). Thus, Rohit has now replaced Virat Kohli as the new limited-overs captain along with also being promoted as the Test vice-captain.

BCCI named Rohit Sharma as India's ODI captain on Wednesday (December 8). Thus, Rohit has now replaced Virat Kohli as the new limited-overs captain along with also being promoted as the Test vice-captain. "The All-India Senior Selection Committee also decided to name Mr Rohit Sharma as the Captain of the ODI & T20I teams going forward," BCCI said in a statement while announcing the 18-man squad for the upcoming South Africa Tests. Many believe Kohli's ODI captaincy was always under the radar ever since he decided to step down as the T20I skipper, citing workload issues. Hence, former India international Kirti Azad feels there's nothing wrong in Rohit's appointment as the limited-overs captain. ALSO READ | Not being able to win ICC title might've cost Virat Kohli the ODI captaincy: Former Indian wicketkeeper "Well, change is constant. This happens Rohit has been doing well and Virat had said that he wanted to be away from the captaincy in limited-overs. So, the right person to get into his place is Rohit Sharma. That's a call by the selectors. Virat wanted it but selectors thought that Rohit Sharma should come in and that's about it. I don't find anything wrong with it," said Azad while speaking to news agency ANI. ALSO READ | 'Easier to destroy a team': Former India cricketer blasts selectors for removing Virat Kohli as ODI captain Kirti Azad also opined on Ajinkya Rahane's sacking as the Test vice-captain and said, "Every game that you play is a different game than the other. Yes, when you compare people you show records you say this guy was better and that guy was better. Somebody has got more centuries than the other but that doesn't mean one is better than the other. The importance of a player is not measured by his captaincy. Rahane is a very good player. His form was not good and keeping that in mind selectors have taken away the vice-captaincy. We try to read too much into it." Coming to Rohit, he has led India whenever Kohli was rested and has already guided the national side to Nidahas Trophy and Asia Cup titles, both in 2018. He is also a proven leader in IPL, being the most-successful captain in the tournament with five titles for Mumbai Indians (MI). Thus, Rohit-Rahul Dravid are now expected to end India's eight-year-long ICC-title drought in the coming years, which is filled with plenty of ICC events in white-ball formats.

Don't find anything wrong: Former India player opines on Rohit Sharma replacing Virat Kohli as ODI captain

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Indian World Cup winner Kirti Azad makes big promises ahead of DDCA elections

Rohit refuses to drop Kohli for T20 World Cup, sends clear message to Jay Shah – Reports

Sourav Ganguly should've learnt from Greg Chappell episode: Ex-selector on BCCI-Virat Kohli row

Don't find anything wrong: Former India player opines on Rohit Sharma replacing Virat Kohli as ODI captain