Priyansh Arya, Himmat Singh among stars as prestigious DDCA Hot Weather Tournament returns for 2026 edition

DDCA’s oldest tournament returns with a 10 percent increase in prize money; 36 clubs to compete in the competition featuring many of Delhi’s leading cricketers

The Hot Weather Tournament occupies a special place in Delhi’s cricketing history. For decades, it has brought together some of the best talent from across the city and has remained one of the most competitive events in our domestic calendar. Competitions like these continue to play an important role in strengthening club cricket, which remains the foundation of Delhi cricket. I wish all participating teams and players the very best for what promises to be another highly competitive edition- Rohan Jaitley, President, DDCA

Rakesh Thapliyal

New Delhi: The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) on Tuesday officially inaugurated the 2026 edition of the prestigious DDCA Hot Weather Tournament, one of the capital’s oldest and most celebrated cricket competitions.

Having stayed on Delhi’s cricketing calendar for decades, the tournament has served as a proving ground for generations of cricketers and continues to attract the city’s leading clubs and players. This year’s edition will feature 36 teams competing in a knockout format, with a 10 percent increase in prize money adding further incentive to the competition.

Several established and emerging cricketers, including IPL star Priyansh Arya, Himmat Singh and a host of players representing Delhi in domestic cricket and the Delhi Premier League, are expected to take part in the tournament.

DDCA President Rohan Jaitley inaugurated the tournament in the presence of members of the DDCA Apex Council, League Committee officials, club representatives and players.

Speaking on the occasion, DDCA President Rohan Jaitley said, “The Hot Weather Tournament occupies a special place in Delhi’s cricketing history. For decades, it has brought together some of the best talent from across the city and has remained one of the most competitive events in our domestic calendar. Competitions like these continue to play an important role in strengthening club cricket, which remains the foundation of Delhi cricket. I wish all participating teams and players the very best for what promises to be another highly competitive edition.”

DDCA Secretary Ashok Sharma said, “The Hot Weather Tournament is DDCA’s oldest tournament and I have personally seen its journey since the last 50 years. Every generation of Delhi cricketers has aspired to play and perform in this competition. From Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag to Virat Kohli, many of Delhi’s finest cricketers have featured in this tournament over the years.

“The clubs are the backbone of Delhi cricket and the effort put in by more than a hundred clubs at the grassroots level is what keeps competitions like these thriving. Playing cricket in Delhi’s summer heat is never easy, but it is part of the challenge and part of what makes this tournament special. It tests a player’s skill, temperament and character. We are looking forward to another memorable edition.”

Dronacharya Awardee Rajkumar Sharma, founder of the West Delhi Cricket Academy was also present on the occasion. Sharma famously coached former India captain and Delhi stalwart Virat Kohli during his formative years.

Played in traditional white clothing with the red ball, the DDCA Hot Weather Tournament continues to preserve the essence of club cricket while providing players an opportunity to compete in high-pressure knockout matches.

The tournament will be played across multiple venues in Delhi and the NCR, with the eventual champions required to navigate a sudden-death format throughout the competition.

VENUES

• Mundka Cricket Ground, Ghevra

• Chattar Singh Cricket Ground, Zindpur

• Arihant Cricket Academy, Chhawla

• Haryana Cricket Academy, Chhawla

• Talent Sports Ground, Chhawla

• City Gymkhana Academy, Pavi

• Ramjas Sports Complex, Patel Nagar

• Shivaji College, Rajouri Garden

• Om Cricket Ground, Bakhtawarpur

• Chaudhary Shyam Singh Cricket Ground, Hiranki

• St. Stephen’s College, Mori Gate

• Guru Gobind Singh College, Pitampura

• Central Secretariat Ground, Vinay Marg

• Essex Farms, Chhawla

• Additional DDCA-approved venues.