The Delhi Premier League (DPL) auction for its second season concluded on Sunday with Simarjeet Singh and Digvesh Rathi emerging as the top buys. The event, held in New Delhi, saw intense bidding wars as teams vied to secure the services of sought-after players.
Simarjeet Singh, a right-arm fast bowler who has previously been a part of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and played for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), was the most expensive player at the auction. Central Delhi Kings acquired him for ₹39 lakh after facing competition from South Delhi Superstarz, North Delhi Strikers, and West Delhi Lions.
Digvesh Rathi, a leg-spinner who impressed in the recent IPL season with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), was the second-highest buy. South Delhi Superstarz secured his services for ₹38 lakh after a bidding war with Puraani Dilli. Rathi had a splendid start to his IPL career, scalping 14 wickets in 13 matches. He will join his LSG teammate Ayush Badoni at South Delhi Superstars, who was retained ahead of the auction.
Nitish Rana, who has returned to Delhi after playing for Uttar Pradesh in the past two domestic seasons, was signed by West Delhi Lions for ₹34 lakh. Other notable players who attracted attention were Suyash Sharma and Ishant Sharma, bought for ₹15 lakh and ₹13 lakh respectively by Outer Delhi Warriors and West Delhi Lions. Prince Yadav was picked up by New Delhi Tigers for ₹33 lakh.
The DPL is expanding from six to eight teams for the upcoming season, with the addition of two new franchises: Outer Delhi Warriors and New Delhi Tigers. This expansion aims to provide more opportunities for players. According to Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) president Rohan Jaitley, the decision to add two new franchises was to ensure that more players get an opportunity, as there are many players who go through the rigors of the various levels within the State.
Each franchise had a purse of ₹1.5 crore for the auction, from which the cost of retained players was deducted. Franchises were also allowed to use one Right-to-Match (RTM) card to retain a player who received bids from other teams.
Rishabh Pant was retained by Puraani Dilli 6 for ₹21 lakh, and fast bowler Harshit Rana will continue to represent North Delhi Strikers. Priyansh Arya was picked by Outer Delhi Warriors ahead of the auction after being released by South Delhi Superstars. Virender Sehwag was present at the auction, where his 17-year-old son Aaryavir was picked by Central Delhi Kings for ₹8 lakh.
The players were divided into three categories: Experienced players (IPL or state-level cricket), Under-23 and Under-19 cricketers, and Under-16 rising talents. The first edition of the Delhi Premier League was a success, providing a platform for unknown players to showcase their skills. East Delhi Riders are the champions of the inaugural edition.
The auction for the women's event will be held on July 7.
