DDCA announce six-team Delhi Premier League’s inaugural edition in August
The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) has announced that the inaugural edition of the Delhi Premier League (DPL) will be held in the second half of August 2024. The inaugural season will comprise a dynamic mix of men’s and women’s matches, scheduled to be played at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
The inaugural season will have a total of 40 matches, including seven games for women. The remaining 33 matches will be played between the men’s teams.
The franchise auction took place in New Delhi on July 28. A whopping INR 49.65 crore were spent to buy the six men’s teams. The top four bidders in the men’s franchise auction have automatically acquired the women’s teams.
In a statement released on Monday (July 28), DDCA said:
“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 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,” the statement added.
“I am delighted to announce the Delhi Premier League Season 1” – DDCA President
DDCA President Rohan Jaitley expressed his delight while announcing the maiden edition of DPL for both men and women’s cricket. He said in a statement:
“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 DPL is a significant step taken by the DDCA in that direction."
Retired IAS officer Bimal Jhulka will chair the Delhi-based T20 tournament. The franchise names, schedule, and broadcast details will be announced later.
Several other Indian states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, West Bengal, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh already have their local franchise T20 leagues.