The Delhi Premier League (DPL) is gearing up for its second season with an expanded format and a player auction set to feature some prominent names in Indian cricket. The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) has announced that the league will now include eight teams, an increase from the six teams that participated in the inaugural edition.

Expansion and New Teams

The expansion of the DPL signifies the league's growing popularity and its role in nurturing local cricket talent. Two new franchises, Outer Delhi and New Delhi, have been added to the competition. Outer Delhi was acquired by a consortium led by Savita Paints Private Limited for ₹10.6 crore, while New Delhi was secured by a consortium of Bheema Tolling and Traffic Solutions Private Limited and Crayon Advertising Limited for ₹9.2 crore.

These new teams will join the existing six franchises: Central Delhi Kings, East Delhi Riders, North Delhi Strikers, Purani Dilli 6, South Delhi Superstarz, and West Delhi Lions. With teams representing nearly all major zones of the capital – East, West, North, South, Central, Outer, and New Delhi – the tournament aims to be Delhi's most competitive cricketing platform. However, the Women's DPL will continue to have four teams.

Player Auction Highlights

The player auction for the men's DPL is scheduled for July 6 and 7 and is expected to be a major event. Several IPL stars are set to be part of the auction pool, including Rishabh Pant, Ishant Sharma, Priyansh Arya, Ayush Badoni, Harshit Rana, Digvesh Rathi, Himmat Singh, Suyash Sharma, Mayank Yadav, and Anuj Rawat.

Rishabh Pant's participation is particularly noteworthy. After recovering from his car accident in December 2022, Pant has been keen to get as much game time as possible. In the previous season, Pant played in the opening match of the DPL for Purani Dilli 6. However, his performance drew criticism due to his struggle against spin.

Young Talents and Legacy

The DPL 2025 auction is also expected to feature young talents, including Aaryaveer Kohli, nephew of Virat Kohli, and Aryavir Sehwag, son of Virender Sehwag. Aaryaveer, a leg-spinner, has represented Delhi's U-16 squad and is training at the West Delhi Cricket Academy. Aryavir Sehwag is also anticipated to draw attention.

DDCA's Vision

DDCA President Rohan Jaitley has emphasized the importance of the DPL as a platform for showcasing Delhi's cricketing culture and providing opportunities for young players. He highlighted the emergence of talents like Priyansh Arya and Digvesh Rathi from the DPL, who later demonstrated their abilities in the IPL. Jaitley stated that the DDCA is committed to making Season 2 a "landmark moment" in the league's journey.

The upcoming season of the Delhi Premier League promises to be an exciting affair, with the expansion of the tournament and the inclusion of prominent IPL stars and emerging talents. The DPL continues to serve as a breeding ground for future cricket stars and a celebration of Delhi's cricketing culture.