The Delhi & District Cricket Association’s joint secretary Amit Grover has formally questioned the eligibility of Varun Sood and Manu Nayyar for appointments within the Delhi cricket setup, urging the Cricket Advisory Committee to reconsider before finalising their roles. Grover’s reservations were outlined in an email sent to CAC members on Friday, a copy of which was obtained by TimesofIndia.com, in which he expressed concerns over whether the selections met the prescribed criteria.
Manu Nayyar has been named a selector for the senior men’s team, while Varun Sood has been appointed assistant coach for the men’s Under-19 squad. Grover’s email pointedly requests the committee to review all relevant records and eligibility rules before concluding the selection process. “With regard to the proposed appointments of coaches and selectors, I wish to formally place on record my reservations concerning the proposed appointment of Mr. Varun Sood and Mr. Manu Nayyar, particularly with regard to their eligibility and compliance with the prescribed criteria,” Grover wrote.
The email was copied to the DDCA’s top officials, signalling Grover’s intent to have his concerns officially noted. He also flagged the proposed composition of the selection panel, noting that it seemed largely unchanged from last year’s group of selectors. This, he suggested, warranted closer scrutiny given Delhi cricket’s recent underwhelming performances.
Grover acknowledged that while continuity in appointments has some value, the committee should exercise “greater care and circumspection” when choosing coaches and selectors. He wrote that recent results, eligibility, experience, and the broader needs of Delhi cricket should guide the decision. He added, “I therefore request the CAC to independently examine all relevant records and applicable criteria before taking any final decision,” and asked that his communication be included in the official record of the selection process.
A recipient of Grover’s email defended the appointments, telling TimesofIndia.com that “all the rules have been followed diligently.” The source said those appointed had played cricket at the highest level and had longstanding involvement with the system. “Manu Nayyar is yet to complete his five-year term, whereas Varun has recently retired from playing cricket and knows a thing or two about how modern-day cricket functions. We are all thinking about the betterment of Delhi cricket, and these accusations are needless,” the individual said.
Nayyar’s availability had been questioned last season, reportedly due to commitments with an overseas league while team selections were underway. This prior absence adds context to Grover’s concerns over his appointment.
Meanwhile, the DDCA has reappointed former India wicketkeeper Vijay Dahiya as head coach of the Delhi Ranji Trophy side. The association also announced a slate of coaching and mentoring appointments, including 22 coaches across the senior men’s team down to the Under-14 level, and 18 across various women’s teams. Several former players and their sons have been given roles within the setup.
DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma was contacted for comment on Grover’s objections but did not respond. The debate over the selection panel’s makeup and the criteria for appointments comes amid pressure on Delhi cricket to improve its performances and rebuild its talent pipeline.
Grover’s letter makes clear he is not contesting the process after the fact but raising concerns before the appointments are finalised, pushing for transparency and adherence to the rules. The CAC’s next steps on the matter have not yet been announced.
According to Yahoo Sports.