PCA debarred MP Pandove, GS Walia from cricket administration for life

MP Pandove, former BCCI treasurer and GS Walia, the senior Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) functionary have been debarred from cricket administration for life. The two were found guilty of misusing their power and position to favour the Mohali Cricket Association (MCA). Justice Justice (retd) HS Bhalla, the ombudsman-cum-ethics officer of the PCA, put forward the ruling on Wednesday.

In his order dated April 11, Justice Bhalla said, "They are debarred for life from involvement with the game of cricket." 

"[...] it appears that the respondents No. 1 and 2 (Walia and Pandove) in order to help the MCA misused their position and power in the PCA to provide undue favour to MCA.”

"They released funds of the PCA to the MCA, fully knowing that MCA is not affiliated with the PCA and, moreover, even the registration of the MCA is under challenge before the Hon'ble Punjab and Haryana High Court."

In 2021, the District Cricket Association Mohali (DCAM) filed a complaint against Walia and Pandove. Gagandeep Singh Dhaliwal filed it on behalf of the board, and an investigation followed.

In responding to the ruling, Walia said, "I have received the order and I will comment after consulting my legal counsel."

The complainant stated that the MCA, through the accused, had allegedly issued the funds of the PCA and that the funds released were against the rules. "in spite of the fact that the PCA has not recognised them and no affiliation certificate has been issued by the PCA".

The complaint put forward by Gagandeep also pleaded that if the PCA had issued any affiliation certificate, it should be cancelled. Both the accused (Pandove and Walia) had denied the allegations and had pleaded that the MCA had been using facilities such as a playground, office and washrooms at the stadium of the PCA. They further added that the funds were also released to them and that they fulfilled all the requirements.

MP Pandove and GS Walia pleaded that all the allegations against them by DCAM were false, and the complaint was liable to be dismissed.