Delhi Premier League a significant stage to nurture talent: Rohan Jaitely

NEW DELHI: The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) President Rohan Jaitley here on Monday said that the upcoming Delhi Premier League (DPL) will serve as a platform for youngsters to showcase their talent and excel in the sport. 

Previously DDCA President stated that “ 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 direct,” he added.

Providing a boost to the League, Rishabh Pant, Navdeep Saini, and Harshit Rana are set to participate in the inaugural season.

“Rishabh Pant, Navdeep Saini, Harshit Rana, and other Indian players will feature in the inaugural season of DPL. I had a talk with Rishabh Pant, and he has promised me to participate in the league, but it only depends on his availability and national commitments. But as of now, he will be playing. Navdeep and Harshit will also feature in the league,” Jaitley told media.

The maiden season of DPL will feature a total of 40 matches with 33 games in the men’s category and seven in the women’s.

The franchise auction for the league was held last Sunday and resulted in the sale of six men’s teams for a total amount of Rs 49.65 crore.

It will feature six franchises, namely West Delhi Lions, North Delhi Strikers, South Delhi Superstarz, Purani Delhi-6, Delhi Kings, and East Delhi Riders.

The inauguration ceremony has a draft of 270 players from all across Delhi, including national, U-23, and U-19. The first season of DPL will feature a total of 40 matches, with 33 games in the men’s category and seven in the women’s.

The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) announced former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag as the brand ambassador for the inaugural season of the Delhi Premier League (DPL). The announcement was made during a grand launch event for the league held in the National Capital . 

“The league will surely be a fantastic opportunity to those players who work hard in the nets and didn’t get a chance in any major tournament. When I used to play in my younger days, we didn’t get this type of opportunity to play in different leagues. Now my son is playing; I am glad that he will be getting those opportunities, so yes, it is a very great opportunity,” Sehwag said

Present on the occasion was the entire Apex Council of DDCA. The DDCA is excited to introduce the DPL as a premier T20 cricket competition. The league, which is chaired by the league commissioner Bimal Julka, a retired IAS officer, aims to showcase the best cricketing talent from Delhi and beyond, offering a platform for emerging players to shine and for seasoned professionals to continue inspiring fans. 

The involvement of DDCA, a cornerstone institution in Delhi’s cricketing landscape, ensures a strong foundation for the league’s success. 

The franchise names and owners are as follows:

Men’s Teams: – South Delhi Superstars – Acquired by Real Force Resources Pvt Ltd for INR 8.95 crore – Purani Dilli 6 – Acquired by SISL Infotech Pvt. Ltd. for INR 8 crore – Central Delhi Kings – Acquired by Utech Developers Pvt. Ltd. for INR 8.25 crore – North Delhi Strikers – Acquired by Gupta Jee Tent Services Pvt. Ltd. for INR 8.15 crore – West Delhi Lions – Acquired by Brew Force Limited for INR 8 crore – East Delhi Riders – Acquired by Areion Finserve Pvt. Ltd. for INR 8.3 crore 

The top four bidders in the men’s franchise auction also secured the women’s teams, which include: – South Delhi Superstars – Real Force Resources Pvt Ltd – Central Delhi Queens – Utech Developers Pvt. Ltd. – North Delhi Strikers – Gupta Jee Tent Services Pvt. Ltd. – East Delhi Riders – Areion Finserve Pvt. Ltd. 

The matches will be broadcast on Sports 18 and live-streamed on JioCinema.