The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) has approved a sweeping set of administrative and structural reforms at its Apex Council meeting held on Sunday, 25 May 2025, including the abolition of complimentary passes, equal prize money for women's cricket, a 30% hike in match-official fees, and a major infrastructure upgrade across Delhi venues.

End of the Complimentary Pass Culture

A proposal moved by DDCA president Rohan Jaitley to completely end the association's long-standing practice of accepting complimentary passes was approved by the majority of Apex Council members. According to a senior DDCA official, the change is aimed at strengthening the association's financial position.

'One major decision that has been made is that DDCA will completely end the long-standing practice of accepting complimentary passes,' the official said. 'In our bilateral matches, if we do not accept passes, we can earn a profit of around ₹1 crore, especially if it's a high-profile match. Therefore, keeping DDCA's financial health in mind, it has been decided to completely abolish the culture of accepting complimentary passes.'

The change extends to IPL fixtures as well, where the association had previously accepted passes from franchises. Importantly, DDCA members will not be left without access — each member will now receive two complimentary tickets directly from the association, replacing the earlier, inconsistent arrangement of sourcing premium passes from franchises.

Equal Prize Money for Women's Delhi Premier League

In a significant step toward gender parity, the Apex Council approved equal prize money for men's and women's competitions conducted under the DDCA. 'The prize money of our Women's Delhi Premier League has been made at par with the men's league,' the official confirmed. This makes the DDCA one of the few state associations in India to formally equalise domestic league prize money across genders.

30% Pay Rise for Umpires and Scorers

Match officials received a major boost, with the council approving a 30% increase in per-match remuneration for umpires and scorers, effective this season, along with an annual increment of 10% going forward. The official quoted Jaitley directly: 'They are umpires and scorers, they stand in a match in scorching heat, they are the foot soldiers of the association.' The decision addresses a long-standing concern about the undervaluation of on-field officials in domestic cricket structures.

Infrastructure and Player Development Reforms

On the infrastructure front, the DDCA confirmed that work on a new building project will commence shortly, featuring 30 residential rooms, indoor practice pitches, a swimming pool, and a multi-cuisine restaurant. Existing dressing rooms and corporate boxes at DDCA venues will also be renovated and modernised.

To ease the travel burden on young cricketers, the association resolved to conduct league matches in Central Delhi wherever possible, and will actively participate in auctions to secure grounds on long-term leases — including venues such as Jamia Millia Islamia and Hamdard Jasola. All DDCA squads, across all age groups and formats, will henceforth be capped at 16 players.

The council also stressed the priority of forming the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) and appointing selectors and coaches well ahead of the domestic season, enabling longer-term monitoring of player performances. Canopies and additional bleachers will be installed at venues to provide relief to fans attending matches during Delhi's intense summer heat.

Biometric Entry System Under Consideration

The Apex Council proposed introducing a biometric entry system for members at match venues to streamline stadium access. The official noted that feasibility is yet to be determined: 'We have proposed a biometrics system to see whether it is possible, whether it is workable or not... Whether it is workable or not at this moment, we don't know, but we will have to work it out.'

Taken together, the reforms signal a concerted effort by the Jaitley-led DDCA to modernise governance, improve financial discipline, and raise standards for players, officials, and fans alike — with implementation timelines for several measures expected to be firmed up ahead of the next domestic season.