Shocked by Mukul Mudgal report but will take stern steps: DDCA

New Delhi: Justice Mukul Mudgal's adverse report on the DDCA ways of working has caught the top brass in the faction-ridden association completely unaware but treasurer Ravinder Manchanda promised to "take stern action" against those found guilty of indulging in malpractices.

Manchanda in fact admitted that there is some truth in the allegations. Justice Mudgal in his 27-page report pointed out several deficiencies in the working of DDCA and said it was a matter of concern that no tangible action appeared to have been taken to set them right.

"Frankly speaking, I would not deny that I am a bit shocked and surprised that Justice Mudgal has given such a stinging report. To be honest, I never expected that it would be so adverse against the association after we managed to stage a Test match successfully. But he is a learned judge and you need to take full cognizance into what all he has stated in his report," Manchanda told PTI today.

In his report, Mudgal has mentioned about a senior official trying to get into post-match presentation party when the BCCI president had specifically asked him not to, cases of inflated bills, lack of transparency in earlier work orders given.

"If Justice Mudgal has observed certain things, it must have happened or else, why would he mention them in his report. His observations are from a neutral perspective. It is only for the good of DDCA that we try and follow what he is saying. I can assure you that some strong steps will be taken very soon and we would not let allow any controversial official in the local organising committee for World T20," said Manchanda.

He even hinted that one senior DDCA official, who is also current BCCI office-bearer, who has many allegations against his name, is unlikely to be kept in the T20 World Cup's organising committee. The treasurer, who is out of the country, has had a discussion with working president Chetan Chauhan on the way forward.

"Yes, I spoke with Chetan ji today and discussed on the issues mentioned by Justice Mudgal. We are both of the opinion that his guidance is needed and we sincerely want him to guide us till the World T20 and help us set the house in order," concluded Manchanda.