Several DC Stars Robbed, Cricket Gear Stolen During Transit

image-lgnkhub9DC Players in action [Source: AP]

While the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 is a hit on the field, off-field incidents may take the shine off the prestigious tournament. The Delhi Capitals (DC) franchise was reportedly robbed of sixteen bats and other key cricketing gear like pads, shoes, thigh pads, and gloves from several players' kit bags when they landed in New Delhi on Sunday.

The DC squad, along with their support staff, travelled back to their home base after playing the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Saturday. As per Indian Express, three bats were stolen from skipper David Warner, two from all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, three from England's Phil Salt, and as many as five from Delhi-batter Yash Dhull's kit bag, while others have lost gear. 

Players and management only found out about their loss when they received their luggage in their respective hotel rooms, following which DC filed an official complaint.  

A source within the DC entourage confirmed the same.

"All of them were shocked when they heard that everyone had lost something or the other from their kit bags. This is the first time such an incident has happened and the matter was soon raised to the logistics department, police and later at the airport. The investigation is on."

DCP (Airport) Devesh Kumar Mahla told IE that the two men came on Tuesday to report the incident and that an investigation is underway. 

The IPL hires a third-party logistics company that looks after shifting team kit bags and luggage from one city to another. Unfortunately, DC are also not having the best times on the ground, having all their IPL 2023 matches thus far, currently placed at the bottom in 10th position. 

The Warner-led side will meet Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) tomorrow at Kotla.