The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) on Friday (August 2) officially launched the Delhi Premier League (DPL).
DDCA president Rohan Jaitely inaugurated the trophy along with the legendary Virender Sehwag, who has been named the ambassador for the event.
Delhi's inaugural T20 league could see international stars like Rishabh Pant and Ishant Sharma take the field when the tournament gets underway on August 17.
Pant and Ishant have been picked up by Purani Delhi 6 at the draft. Harshit Rana, who is travelling with the Indian team in Sri Lanka, has been roped in up by North Delhi Strikers. However, Indian players’ participation is subject to their availability.
"The India players' eventual availability will depend on their commitments to the national team. However, Rishabh has given his consent to be placed in the draft for now," DDCA president Rohan Jaitley said at the event, as quoted by TOI.
Sharing his thoughts on DPL, Sehwag said such platforms are needed for young players' development.
"In our younger days, we used to only think of playing for India or Delhi. Now, the young generation wants to play T20. These leagues will help them get noticed," he stated.
Sehwag, however, made it clear that such leagues will help a player get noticed but one has to prove himself in the longer formats to play for the country.
"This DPL will help you get noticed. But to grow as a player, you will have to play four-day cricket. Like IPL is a basis for selection for Indian team, DPL will also do the same for Delhi team," Sehwag added.
Jaitley also ensured that the main focus of DDCA will remain Delhi's long-format team. He also mentioned that the league has received clearance from the BCCI and there will be a zero-tolerance policy towards any corrupt activities.
(With TOI Inputs)
