Navdeep Saini to Lead West Delhi Lions in Inaugural Delhi Premier League

Indian pacer Navdeep Saini will head the West Delhi Lions' pace attack in the inaugural Delhi Premier League scheduled from August 17 to September 8, 2024. The league, backed by DDCA, features six franchises, including the West Delhi Lions owned by Excel Group Pvt Ltd, with Virender Sehwag as the brand ambassador.

Indian fast bowler Navdeep Saini is set to lead the pace attack for the West Delhi Lions in the inaugural Delhi Premier League (DPL), organized by the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA). The league, taking place from August 17 to September 8, 2024, will be hosted at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, according to a DDCA press release.

The West Delhi Lions, acquired by Excel Group Pvt Ltd, are among the six franchises unveiled on Friday in a grand ceremony attended by former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag and the entire Apex Council of DDCA. Speaking about the DPL, franchise owner Rajan Chopra expressed enthusiasm, stating, "We are thrilled to be part of the inaugural Delhi Premier League. The DPL offers a unique platform for showcasing the immense cricketing talent from Delhi. Our team is poised to make a significant impact, and we are committed to supporting our players in every way possible."

The league's first season will feature 40 matches, with 33 games in the men's category and seven in the women's. Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag has been appointed as the league's brand ambassador. The league commissioner, Bimal Julka – a retired IAS officer – emphasized that the DPL aims to highlight the best cricketing talent from Delhi and beyond. Meanwhile, the DDCA's involvement assures a stable foundation for the league's success.

The launch event also introduced the six franchises and their owners. The six men's teams were sold collectively for Rs 49.65 crore. Franchise names and owners are as follows: South Delhi Superstars – Real Force Resources Pvt Ltd (Rs 8.95 crore), Purani Dilli 6 – SISL Infotech Pvt Ltd (Rs 8 crore), Central Delhi Kings – Utech Developers Pvt Ltd (Rs 8.25 crore), North Delhi Strikers – Gupta Jee Tent Services Pvt Ltd (Rs 8.15 crore), West Delhi Lions – Brew Force Limited (Rs 8 crore), and East Delhi Riders – Areion Finserve Pvt Ltd (Rs 8.3 crore). Top franchise bidders also secured women's teams: South Delhi Superstars, Central Delhi Queens, North Delhi Strikers, and East Delhi Riders.

The West Delhi Lions squad comprises players like Hrithik Shokeen, Dev Lakra, Deepak Punia, and others, promising an exciting season ahead. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)