Ajay Jadeja in Delhi Ranji squad for upcoming season

Ajay Jadeja is all set to make a comeback to first-class cricket. He has been selected in the 16-member Delhi Ranji Trophy squad. However, the Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) is taking a cautious approach in the matter and has sent a letter to the BCCI seeking permission to allow Jadeja to play. Jadeja has not played first-class cricket since he was banned by the BCCI for his alleged role in matchfixing in December 2000. Since then Jadeja has kept himself busy with a string of high-profile events and, most recently, has acted in a Hindi film.

Speaking to the Telegraph newspaper, Chetan Chauhan, chairman of selectors of the DDCA, said: "Jadeja has made himself available and as far as we know he is allowed to play domestic cricket. Anyway, we are writing to the BCCI of Jadeja's inclusion. It is a permission-seeking letter, and if there is any objection we will proceed accordingly."

Jagmohan Dalmiya, the BCCI president, said the matter was for the judiciary to decide. "It has been the consistent stand of the BCCI that the court should have the last word on this. If the court has no objection to Jadeja playing the Ranji Trophy, we won't come in the way."

Virender Sehwag, the Delhi captain, will save himself the awkwardness of leading a side that includes a `tainted' player by being away on national duty. Mithun Manhas will have the honour, in his place. Kunal Lal, a left-arm seamer and son of former India medium pacer Madan Lal, is also part of the squad. Madan is currently the Delhi coach. Delhi begin their Ranji season with a match against Uttar Pradesh on November 7.

This news comes immediately on the heels of a court ruling that Jadeja would not be allowed to take part in the Hong Kong Sixes tournament. The Delhi High Court recently rejected Jadeja's plea to play in the tournament, on the basis that allowing him to do so would be in contravention of his five-year ban.