The Delhi Premier League (DPL) is gearing up for a significant leap in its second season with the addition of two new men’s franchises, expanding the competition from six to eight teams. Scheduled to begin later this year, the league’s highly anticipated player auction will take place on July 6 and 7 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), which governs the DPL, confirmed on Tuesday that the Outer Delhi and New Delhi franchises have been secured by business consortiums for INR 10.6 crore and INR 9.2 crore respectively. This marks a notable commercial milestone for the league, which is quickly gaining recognition as one of India’s most dynamic domestic T20 tournaments.
Continuing its commitment to inclusivity, the DPL will also conduct a separate women’s auction on July 7, following the men’s auction on July 6, underscoring the league’s efforts to promote gender diversity in cricket.
Rishabh Pant among top IPL stars headlining player auction
In a major boost to the league’s profile, more than ten Indian Premier League (IPL) stars — including India’s ace wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant — have registered for the upcoming player auction. Pant, returning to domestic action after his inspiring IPL 2025 season, will be joined in the auction pool by promising names such as Priyansh Arya, Digvesh Rathi, Ishant Sharma, Ayush Badoni, Harshit Rana, Himmat Singh, Suyash Sharma, Mayank Yadav, and Anuj Rawat.
These players, many of whom impressed in the 2025 IPL season, are expected to attract significant bids from the now eight participating franchises, namely Central Delhi Kings, East Delhi Riders, North Delhi Strikers, Purani Dilli 6, South Delhi Superstarz, West Delhi Lions, and the two new entrants — Outer Delhi and New Delhi.
New year. New squads. Same Dilli madness. 🏏 DPL season 2 is loading…
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.#DPL #delhiblogger #Cricket #t20cricket #season2 #DPL2025 #DelhiPremierLeague pic.twitter.com/gNcwOUCnuY— Delhi Premier League T20 (@DelhiPLT20) June 29, 2025
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A platform redefining India’s domestic cricket landscape
With top-tier players entering the fray and increased franchise investment, DPL T20 is fast emerging as a critical link in India’s domestic cricket ecosystem. The participation of renowned cricketers like Pant, alongside a host of promising IPL performers, not only adds star power but also enhances the overall competitive standard of the league. This evolution signifies that the DPL is no longer just a local showcase, but a serious platform where talent is scouted, nurtured, and elevated to the national stage. The meteoric rise of players such as Priyansh and Digvesh — who used the DPL as a springboard to secure regular opportunities in the IPL — is a testament to the league’s growing impact.
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