DDCA flags DPL match-fixing allegations, refers matter to authorities
Synopsis
A media sting has landed Indian domestic cricket in fresh controversy — an ex-Ranji fringe player was reportedly filmed claiming he fixed matches in the DPL, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and even IPL 2025 games involving CSK. The DDCA has referred the matter to authorities, but the CSK and IPL angle, if pursued, could trigger a far wider anti-corruption inquiry.
Key Takeaways
The DDCA on 22 September acknowledged match-fixing allegations linked to the Delhi Premier League (DPL) and referred the matter to relevant authorities.
Former Ranji-circuit player Rachit Bhatia was allegedly filmed in a sting operation claiming he had shared information ahead of Game 7 of the DPL's third edition between Central Delhi Kings and North Delhi Strikers .
Bhatia also reportedly alleged involvement in spot-fixing during the 2018-19 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and fixing in IPL 2025 matches involving Chennai Super Kings — claims that remain unverified.
Records show Bhatia played two T20s for Nagaland in the 2018-19 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy , taking two wickets .
DDCA maintains a zero-tolerance stance on integrity violations and says action will follow only after findings by competent authorities.
The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) on Tuesday, 22 September responded to reports of alleged match-fixing involving certain players and a franchise in the Delhi Premier League (DPL), following a sting operation by a media outlet. At the centre of the allegations is former Ranji Trophy player Rachit Bhatia, who was reportedly filmed without his knowledge making claims about fixing matches at multiple levels of Indian cricket.
What the DDCA Said
In an official statement, the DDCA emphasised that the allegations remain unverified and have not been established by any competent authority. The association said it has written to the relevant authorities and shared the information, requesting examination through established due-process channels.
'DDCA maintains a zero-tolerance approach towards any activity that may compromise the integrity of cricket and will extend its full cooperation to any inquiry undertaken by the competent authorities,' the association stated. It further noted that 'any action, if warranted, will be taken strictly in accordance with the findings of the appropriate authorities and the applicable rules and regulations.'
The Sting and the Allegations
The sting operation centred on Game 7 of the third edition of the DPL, a match played between Central Delhi Kings and North Delhi Strikers at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Bhatia, reportedly unaware he was being filmed, allegedly claimed to have shared 'valuable information' ahead of the toss in that fixture.
Beyond the DPL, Bhatia reportedly made wider and more serious claims — alleging involvement in spot-fixing during the 2018-19 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and asserting that he had fixed certain matches involving Chennai Super Kings (CSK) during the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Both sets of allegations, which have not been independently verified, carry significant implications given the stature of the IPL as India's premier franchise cricket competition.
Bhatia's Playing Background
According to available records, Rachit Bhatia played two T20 matches for Nagaland during the 2018-19 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, claiming two wickets. His profile as a fringe domestic cricketer makes his claims — particularly those relating to CSK and the IPL — ones that authorities will need to scrutinise carefully before drawing any conclusions.
Broader Context
This is not the first time the DPL has faced scrutiny. Indian domestic T20 leagues, which have proliferated in recent years, have periodically drawn attention from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s Anti-Corruption Unit and law enforcement agencies over integrity concerns. Notably, the BCCI's anti-corruption infrastructure covers all BCCI-sanctioned tournaments, meaning that if the allegations have any merit, the matter could escalate beyond the DDCA's jurisdiction.
The DDCA reiterated its commitment to 'safeguarding the integrity, credibility and reputation of cricket in Delhi' and said it will cooperate fully with any inquiry by competent authorities. How quickly those authorities respond — and whether the IPL-related claims trigger a parallel investigation — will determine the next phase of this developing story.
Point of View
Process-first response is textbook crisis management — but the real pressure point is the IPL and CSK angle, which the association cannot handle alone. If investigators find even circumstantial corroboration for Bhatia's IPL claims, this story moves from a local T20 league footnote to a BCCI-level emergency. The proliferation of state and city T20 leagues was always flagged as an integrity risk; this episode underscores why anti-corruption oversight has struggled to keep pace with the league calendar. The credibility question cuts both ways: Bhatia's limited playing record makes his IPL claims hard to substantiate, but sting footage — if authentic — has forced action before in Indian cricket, regardless of the accused's stature.
NationPress
22 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the match-fixing allegations against the Delhi Premier League?
A media outlet's sting operation reportedly filmed former Ranji-circuit player Rachit Bhatia claiming he had shared advance information before Game 7 of the DPL's third edition, played between Central Delhi Kings and North Delhi Strikers at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Bhatia also allegedly claimed involvement in spot-fixing in the 2018-19 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and in fixing IPL 2025 matches involving Chennai Super Kings — all allegations that remain unverified.
What has the DDCA done in response to the allegations?
The DDCA has written to the relevant authorities and shared the information it received, requesting the matter be examined through established due-process channels. The association stated it maintains a zero-tolerance approach to integrity violations and will cooperate fully with any official inquiry.
Who is Rachit Bhatia and what is his cricket background?
Rachit Bhatia is a former domestic cricketer who played two T20 matches for Nagaland during the 2018-19 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, taking two wickets. He has also represented Delhi in Ranji Trophy cricket. He was reportedly filmed without his knowledge making the fixing claims.
Could the IPL and CSK allegations lead to a separate investigation?
Potentially, yes. Allegations involving Indian Premier League matches fall under the jurisdiction of the BCCI's Anti-Corruption Unit rather than the DDCA alone. If authorities find merit in Bhatia's IPL-related claims, a separate and higher-level inquiry could be initiated, though no such action has been announced as of 22 September.
What is the DDCA's position on due process in this case?
The DDCA has stated clearly that it believes in distinguishing between allegations and established facts, and that any disciplinary action will be taken only after findings by the appropriate competent authorities and in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
