16 October 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : The Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) is facing renewed scrutiny over its land purchases, internal power struggles and controversies involving its office-bearers. The latest concerns centre on alleged financial irregularities in land acquired for proposed cricket facilities in Amritsar and Bathinda, bringing the association’s governance and decision-making processes under the spotlight. The controversies have emerged despite the PCA’s long association with major cricket events and the development of the sport in Punjab.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has written to the Mohali police seeking the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) into alleged irregularities involving land transactions worth approximately ₹77.99 crore. According to reports, the agency’s preliminary inquiry raised questions about the prices paid for the land, subsequent movement of funds and possible financial misconduct. These are allegations that require investigation and have not been established as proven offences by a court.
Land purchases in Amritsar and Bathinda under scrutiny
One of the key transactions concerns land in Bhalla village near Amritsar, acquired for a proposed cricket facility. According to an investigation published by The Indian Express, two real-estate developers purchased agricultural land and later sold 19.5 acres to the PCA in February 2026 for approximately ₹58.22 crore.
The report said the land had initially been purchased for substantially lower amounts, raising questions about the sharp increase in its value over a relatively short period. The ED has sought a police investigation into the transactions, including whether the association paid prices significantly above prevailing rates.
The agency has also raised concerns about the PCA’s purchase of land in Deon village in Bathinda. The association reportedly acquired approximately 12.5 acres and additional land in December 2024 for around ₹19.76 crore. The ED’s communication flagged questions about the purchase price and subsequent financial transactions connected with the land deals.
PCA president Amarjit Singh Mehta has defended the Amritsar purchase, stating that the association followed the procedure and issued an advertisement inviting interested landowners to offer land. He also argued that the property’s value had increased since the acquisition. The developers involved were not available for comment in the report cited by The Indian Express.
Questions over transparency and approvals
The latest allegations have revived broader questions about how sports associations acquire property, approve major expenditures and ensure accountability to their members. A key issue in the current dispute is whether the required internal approvals were obtained for the purchases.
Former first-class cricketer Rakesh Handa has approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, alleging irregularities in the PCA’s land acquisitions in Amritsar and Bathinda. The court has sought responses from the parties concerned, while the ED has submitted information about its preliminary inquiry. The allegations remain subject to legal scrutiny.
For sports organisations, transparent procurement, proper documentation and clearly defined approval procedures are important for maintaining the confidence of members, players and the public. The current case is likely to keep attention focused on the association’s financial decisions and the checks in place to oversee them.
Earlier land disputes involving PCA stadiums
The PCA has faced land-related controversies in previous years as well. A dispute involving the IS Bindra PCA Stadium in Mohali centred on the ownership and use of land leased from the Punjab Sports Council. In 2006, the council reportedly approached the court seeking compensation linked to the stadium’s earnings and damages. A Punjab Assembly committee subsequently recommended action concerning the land arrangement.
Another controversy emerged in 2019 over land acquired for the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. Allegations at the time questioned whether land had been acquired through an intermediary trust at prices above market rates before being transferred to the association. The issue drew attention to the ownership structure and the manner in which the land was purchased.
These earlier disputes demonstrate that questions about property transactions and institutional accountability have periodically affected the association. However, the allegations in separate cases must be assessed on their own evidence and legal outcomes.
Internal power struggles and governance concerns
Beyond property transactions, the PCA has also experienced disputes over leadership and control of its governing body. The association has seen changes in office-bearers, disagreements over appointments and allegations concerning the involvement of family members and close associates in its affairs.
The Tribune has reported that controversies over the removal or resignation of office-bearers and concerns about internal governance have repeatedly surfaced over the years. Such disputes can create uncertainty within a sports organisation and raise questions about whether decisions are being made in the broader interests of cricket development.
Effective governance is especially important for organisations responsible for developing players, managing facilities and supporting competitions. Clear rules for appointments, financial decisions and conflict-of-interest management can help reduce disputes and ensure that resources are used for their intended purposes.
What happens next?
The immediate focus is on the ED’s request for an FIR and the police investigation that could follow. Investigators would need to examine the land records, purchase valuations, approval documents and movement of funds to determine whether any offences occurred.
The PCA’s response and any findings by the authorities will be important in establishing the facts. Until then, allegations of inflated land prices, suspicious transfers or misconduct should not be treated as proven wrongdoing.