The cricket-loving city of Delhi is set to witness a new era with the launch of the Delhi Premier League (DPL), a T20 cricket competition aimed at showcasing the best talent from the capital and beyond. The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) has unveiled legendary and Delhi’s very own Virender Sehwag as its brand ambassador.
Sehwag heads DPL!
Virender Sehwag, known for his explosive batting and fearless approach, is an ideal choice for the league’s brand ambassador. His deep roots in Delhi cricket and his status as one of India’s greatest cricketing legends lend credibility and star power to the nascent league. Sehwag’s appointment will undoubtedly attract eyeballs on the newly formed league.
Speaking at the launch event, Sehwag expressed his enthusiasm: “I am excited to join the Delhi Premier League as its brand ambassador. Delhi has always been close to my heart, and I believe this league will provide a fantastic platform for young and talented cricketers from the region to shine. I look forward to being a part of this exciting journey and contributing to the growth of cricket in the Capital.”
The league, chaired by league commissioner Shri Bimal Julka, a retired IAS officer, aims to showcase the best cricketing talent from Delhi and beyond. It offers a platform for emerging players to shine and for seasoned professionals to continue inspiring fans. The DDCA’s involvement ensures a strong foundation for the league’s success.
Delhi Premier League (DPL) teams
The launch event also revealed the six franchises participating in the inaugural season:
- South Delhi Superstarz
- Purani Dilli 6
- Central Delhi Kings
- North Delhi Strikers
- West Delhi Lions
- East Delhi Riders
These franchises were sold for a total of INR 49.65 crore, indicating significant investor interest in the league. DDCA President Rohan Jaitley emphasized the importance of Sehwag’s role, stating, “His passion for the game and his deep roots in Delhi cricket make him the perfect choice to inspire and guide the next generation of players. His involvement will undoubtedly add tremendous value to the league.”
DPL details
The inaugural season of the DPL is scheduled to run from August 17 to September 8, 2024, with all matches taking place at Shri Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The season will consist of 40 matches, including 33 in the men’s category and 7 in the women’s category, showcasing the league’s commitment to promoting both men’s and women’s cricket.
As the DPL prepares for its debut, expectations are high. With Virender Sehwag as its brand ambassador and the backing of the DDCA, the league has the potential to become a notable event in India’s domestic cricket calendar. Even the likes of Rishabh Pant, Navdeep Saini and Harshit Rana are touted to play the upcoming T20 tournament.
