Dispute over coaching, ‘misuse’ of funds rock dist cricket assn

A controversy has erupted within the Ludhiana District Cricket Association (LDCA), an affiliate of the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA), following a heated exchange during the trials for the senior district team for the Punjab State Inter-District Cricket Tournament for the Katoch Shield. The incident took place at the GRD Academy ground on Hambran Road on June 25.

During the trials, ex-Ranji player and coach Ankur Kakkar arrived at the venue and confronted Inder Saggu, who was assisting PCA selector Munish Bhatia of Amritsar in the selection process. Saggu explained that he had been appointed by Sunny Khosla, Chairman of the PCA-appointed Sub-Committee overseeing daily cricketing activities in Ludhiana, to assist Bhatia.

However, Kakkar told Saggu to leave the ground, asserting that Saggu’s appointment as LDCA coach had not been approved by the association’s executive committee. This escalated into a heated argument, prompting Saggu to call Khosla to the ground.

Upon arrival, Khosla objected to Kakkar’s presence, stating that Kakkar had submitted his resignation on April 17, which had been accepted, and therefore his presence and authority at the trials were questionable.

In a press release issued today, Kakkar countered, alleging that Khosla was overstepping his authority and interfering in LDCA’s affairs. “Sunny Khosla’s role is limited to supporting the district association in daily activities,” said Kakkar. He further alleged that Khosla and an associate abused him during the trials. “They threatened me with dire consequences if I came to the ground,” he said.

Kakkar maintained that his resignation had not been formally accepted by the LDCA executive committee, making Khosla’s claim invalid. “Only the LDCA executive committee has the authority to accept my resignation,” he argued, claiming his continued legitimate involvement in LDCA affairs.

He also accused Khosla of misusing LDCA letterhead to instruct GRD Academy officials to bar entry to certain LDCA coaches and members. Kakkar alleged that Khosla removed LDCA coaches and replaced them with his own preferred personnel.

Meanwhile, Gagandeep (Sunny) Bhalla, Co-opted Secretary of LDCA, criticised Khosla for allegedly collecting over Rs 15 lakh in player fees without issuing proper receipts. “This is a serious financial irregularity. Receipts must bear the association’s seal and the treasurer’s signature to ensure transparency and accountability,” Bhalla said.

In response, Khosla explained that the PCA had formed the sub-committee after financial irregularities surfaced involving LDCA office-bearers — including the president, general secretary and treasurer — against whom a police case is ongoing at Division No 8. These individuals are currently out on bail.

Khosla claimed that Kakkar’s resignation was addressed directly to him, with copies sent to the president and secretary, and was thus accepted. Regarding access restrictions at GRD Academy, he said, “I requested that certain individuals be restricted from entering the premises to ensure the safety of players.”

Khosla also alleged that Rs 1 lakh allocated last year under the Emerging Champions programme for Ludhiana’s U-19 women cricketers was never distributed. “This raises serious concerns about financial mismanagement within LDCA,” he added.

On the issue of fee collection without receipts, Khosla said, “The receipt books remain with the treasurer, who has failed to provide financial records. In the interim, we collected fees in cash and confirmed the transactions by email, keeping the PCA informed.”

He further alleged that complaints had been received about bias within the previous coaching set-up, which justified the appointment of new coaches. “These decisions were made to ensure fairness and transparency for all players,” Khosla stated.

With the PCA elections scheduled for July 12, the incoming team will inherit a complex scenario involving financial allegations, internal conflict, and questions over transparency. Resolving these issues will be critical to restoring credibility and strengthening cricket administration in Ludhiana.