Cricket fans in Delhi rejoice! The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has approved the Delhi & District Cricket Association’s (DDCA) proposal to host the Delhi Premier League (DPL). This is a significant development for the capital’s cricket scene, promising a new platform for local talent and exciting matches.
DDCA happy with BCCI nod
News of the approval came from DDCA Joint Secretary Rajan Manchanda, who confirmed the BCCI took this decision last week. “We are thankful to the BCCI for granting us the permission to hold the DPL,” he said to News18, expressing the association’s delight.
DPL targeting pre-September completion
While the official start date and schedule are yet to be finalised, the DDCA is aiming for a swift turnaround. “Within a week, we are going to call tenders to execute the DPL,” revealed Manchanda. Their ambitious target is to complete the tournament before September 15, 2024.
Capitalising on Delhi Cricket hosting experience
The upcoming DPL will benefit from Delhi’s recent experience in hosting major cricket events. Arun Jaitley Stadium has been a bustling venue in the past year, successfully conducting multiple ODI World Cup 2023 matches, IPL fixtures, and even serving as a co-host for the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2024.
“We are thankful to the board for giving us this platform,” said Manchanda. “We proved ourselves during the World Cup and now have another opportunity to showcase how we will conduct the DPL in the newly constructed stadium.”
Boost for Delhi Cricket ecosystem
The DPL has been brewing for some time. Back in May 2024, the DDCA’s Apex Council meeting proposed the league, aiming to further strengthen Delhi’s already strong club cricket culture. A dedicated T20 league is expected to unearth and nurture hidden talent within the capital city.
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DDCA commitment to cricket development
This development aligns with DDCA president Rohan Jaitley’s focus on cricket development in Delhi. Under his leadership, the association has implemented various initiatives, including high-performance training camps for both men’s and women’s cricketers. Additionally, the Delhi senior team has been actively participating in high-calibre tournaments, recently topping the group stage in the All India Gold Cup.
The DPL joins a growing list of state-level T20 leagues across India, including those in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Baroda, Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Bengal. Delhi’s cricketing scene is poised for an exciting new chapter with the arrival of the DPL.
