Rishabh Pant among several star cricketers set to feature in newly-launched Delhi Premier League

The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has officially launched the Delhi Premier League (DPL) with a trophy inauguration ceremony on Friday (August 2) in New Delhi. The DDCA president and Delhi Premier League (DPL) head Rohan Jaitely inaugurated the trophy along with the legendary cricketer Virender Sehwag.

Cricket fans in Delhi are all set for a thrilling treat as the inaugural season of the Delhi Premier League (DPL) promises to dazzle with star power later this month. The DDCA president confirmed that Indian stars Rishabh Pant, Navdeep Saini, and Harshit Rana will be part of the first editions of the DPL.

DDCA announces Delhi Premier League (DPL); Rishabh Pant and others to shine in the tournament

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Pant’s participation, subject to his national duties and availability, has created a buzz of excitement among the Delhi fans. The dynamic duo of Saini and Rana are currently on a Sri Lanka tour with the Indian cricket team for the ongoing three-match ODI series.

The DPL is set to become the talk of the town, promising an exceptional showcase of talent and entertainment with the franchise auction that saw six teams being sold for a whopping Rs 49.65 crore.

The league features four categories, with players in the marquee A group earning a salary of Rs 10 lakh each. Additionally, the winning team will receive a prize of Rs 1 crore from DDCA.

Rohan Jaitely was quoted as saying by IANS: “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.”

The DDCA president also revealed that the DPL matches will be aired live on a leading OTT platform, and the league also has DRS with Hawk Eye facilities.

DPL will surely be a fantastic opportunity for the players: Virender Sehwag

Meanwhile, the former Delhi and Indian batter Virender Sehwag was named as the brand ambassador of the DPL. The legendary batter said that this league will present an excellent opportunity for such players, who have been working hard but haven't had the chance to participate in major tournaments.

Sehwag mentioned that there were no such opportunities available during his playing days, but he was happy that his son would now have the chance to benefit from such leagues.

Virender Sehwag stated: “The league will surely be a fantastic opportunity for 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.”

Notably, the DPL will kick off with a draft featuring 270 players from various Delhi cricket categories, including national, U-23, and U-19 levels. The inaugural season will showcase a total of 40 matches, comprising 33 men's games and seven women's matches.

Six franchises to compete in the DPL are the West Delhi Lions, North Delhi Strikers, South Delhi Superstarz, Purani Delhi-6, Delhi Kings, and East Delhi Riders. All matches of the T20 league will be broadcast on Sports 18 and live-streamed on JioCinema.