When Rohan Jaitley took over as the president of the Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) in 2020, the organization was grappling with severe financial constraints, with reserves dwindling to a mere Rs 85 lakh. Unopposed in his election, Jaitley embarked on a mission to rejuvenate Delhi cricket, describing his role as a “crown of thorns” laden with challenges.
Through strategic fund management and clearing long-standing financial hurdles, Jaitley successfully steered DDCA towards financial stability, amassing reserves of Rs 100 crore in fixed deposits. His most notable achievement came in 2024 with the launch of the Delhi Premier League, a Twenty20 franchise tournament aimed at bolstering Delhi cricket’s financial sustainability.
Five years into his tenure, Jaitley secured a second term as DDCA president, defeating former India cricketer and Lok Sabha MP Kirti Azad. A practicing lawyer in the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court, Jaitley has focused on modernizing Delhi cricket both financially and structurally.
“When I joined in December 2020, DDCA was in turmoil, burdened with financial debts and other operational challenges. Today, we are not just financially sustainable but also on a path of infrastructural and technological advancements,” he told ThePrint.
Future of DDCA: Infrastructure and Technology
Jaitley outlined ambitious plans for DDCA’s future, emphasizing technological integration and infrastructural development. Upgrades ahead of the 2023 World Cup included stadium renovations, restroom revamps, new turnstiles, facade lighting, waterproofing, and air conditioning enhancements. The historic stadium, established in 1883, hosted five World Cup matches.
“We are also planning a new, state-of-the-art stadium in Delhi with a focus on spectator experience and top-notch infrastructure,” he revealed. Additionally, DDCA is set to launch five to six high-performance centers aimed at scouting and nurturing top-tier cricket talent.
Virat Kohli’s Return to Ranji Trophy
With the BCCI mandating centrally contracted players to participate in domestic cricket when not on international duty, Virat Kohli returned to the Ranji Trophy after 13 years, playing for Delhi against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. His presence drew massive crowds, with fans traveling from outside Delhi to witness the cricketing icon in action.
“It’s crucial for senior players to play domestic cricket. It boosts team morale and provides younger players an invaluable opportunity to share the dressing room with legends,” Jaitley noted.
Revamping the Arun Jaitley Stadium Pitch
Since Kohli’s last match at the stadium, the pitch has undergone a significant transformation. Once criticized for its low bounce, the surface now facilitates high-scoring games, with average T20 scores rising from below 150 in 2019 to over 220 in recent years. Jaitley credited curator Ankit Dutta and his team for enhancing the playing conditions.
“We ensured we had the best curatorial talent, setting high standards for quality across the city’s cricketing infrastructure,” he said.
BCCI Speculation and Personal Legacy
Amid speculation about Jaitley’s potential elevation within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), he remained diplomatic. Following Jay Shah’s appointment as ICC Chairman in December 2024, the BCCI secretary post went to former Assam wicketkeeper Devajit Saikia in January 2025.
“The BCCI general body will decide my role. I serve as Delhi’s representative on the board, and any decision on my future rests with them,” he stated.
Jaitley’s cricketing administration journey is deeply rooted in family legacy. His father, former Union minister Arun Jaitley, served as DDCA president from 1999 to 2013. Reflecting on his father’s advice, he emphasized the importance of ethics and staying connected to one’s roots.
“I grew up watching cricket with him, both in India and abroad. My aim is to contribute to the cricketing ecosystem and ensure it is in a better place than before,” Jaitley affirmed.
With a clear vision and transformative leadership, Rohan Jaitley continues to shape the future of Delhi cricket, ensuring financial stability, infrastructural advancements, and a thriving domestic cricket scene.
One thought on “‘Crown of thorns’ with own challenges: DDCA boss Rohan Jaitley shares thoughts as cricket administrator”