Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. (Photo Source: BCCI)
The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) is set to start franchise T20 leagues for men’s and women in August. The cricket governing body has got the nod of approval from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and is currently trying to attract suitable investors to buy the franchises.
According to a Times of India report, the DDCA apex council met on Monday, July 1, and decided on starting the leagues from next month. DDCA received clearance from BCCI a week ago. DDCA president Rohan Jaitley confirmed the development, saying that the board is looking to wrap up the league by September 15 to leave ample time for preparation ahead of BCCI’s domestic season.
“We are going ahead with the league. The modalities are being worked out. But the aim is to start the league by the end of Aug and finish it before Sept 15 so that it leaves enough time to prepare for the BCCI’s domestic season,” Jaitley told TOI on Tuesday.
Jaitley spoke about the need to start the women’s league along with the men’s league, mentioning the development that women’s cricket has seen in recent years.
“We have decided to organise the women’s league because it doesn’t make any sense to just have the men’s league. Women’s cricket in India is taking off and such leagues can only bolster their growth as cricketers. We successfully hosted the WPL (Women’s Premier League) here this year. It’s the right time to roll out the women’s league this year,” Jaitley stated.
“The local Delhi players – men and women – will get access to good competitive cricket and it will help create a professional ecosystem in Delhi cricket. This is the only window to have white-ball cricket in Delhi. We are looking at six men’s teams and at least four women’s teams for the league,” he added.
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The league is likely to be broadcast just like other T20 leagues in other states like TNPL, KPL, MPL among others. Currently, the Arun Jaitley Stadium is the only ground where the production facilities as well as floodlights are available. Meanwhile, the association is trying to zero in on other venues in the Capital, which could possibly host the matches. The Karnail Singh Stadium, Jamia Milia Islamia Stadium, and Yamuna Sports complex are some probable options.