DDCA announces inaugural Delhi Premier League: Ushering in a new era of T20 cricket in the Capital

The franchise auction for the DPL took place on Sunday and it saw the sale of six men’s teams for a whopping total of INR 49.65 crore

Khel Today Bureau
New Delhi: The Delhi Premier League (DPL), an exciting T20 cricket tournament, is set to launch its inaugural season with a dynamic mix of men’s and women’s matches. Organised by the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), the league is set to commence in the second half of August 2024 with all the matches scheduled to be played at Shri Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.

The upcoming Delhi Premier League promises an exhilarating experience for fans and a significant boost to the local cricket scene. This dynamic T20 league will highlight both local talents and international stars, igniting the passions of cricket enthusiasts and ushering in a new era of excitement.

The franchise auction for the DPL, held in New Delhi on 28th July, saw enthusiastic participation from prominent companies, resulting in the sale of six men’s teams for a total of INR whopping 49.65 crore.

Interestingly, the top four bidders in the men’s franchise auction automatically acquired the women’s teams, further promoting gender inclusivity in the league.

The maiden season of DPL will feature a total of 40 matches, with 33 games in the men’s category and 7 in the women’s. This structure promises an exciting competition, offering fans a comprehensive experience of high-octane T20 cricket.

It is worth noting that the league is chaired by Mr. Bimal Julka, a distinguished retired IAS officer, who brings his vast administrative experience to ensure the smooth execution of the event. Under his leadership, the DPL aims to set new standards in cricket leagues, focusing on nurturing local talent and promoting a balanced representation of both men’s and women’s cricket.

Meanwhile, speaking on the grand occasion, Mr Rohan Jaitley, President, Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) said, “I am delighted to announce the Delhi Premier League Season 1 with a vision to provide equal opportunity for both male and female cricketers. The vision of DDCA has always been to nurture talent who can shine for their state team and country, and the Delhi Premier League is a significant step taken by the DDCA in that direction.”

The organizing committee of the Delhi Premier League, working closely with Perfect Pitch Events and Sports Pvt Ltd, has crafted the league to serve as a nurturing ground for emerging talents. Through this initiative, the DDCA seeks to make a significant contribution to the growth and development of cricket, both in the region and globally.

Franchises’ names, team compositions, fixtures list, and broadcast details for the Delhi Premier League will be announced in the coming days, adding to the mounting excitement surrounding the cricket league.