The Delhi Premier League (DPL) made a significant step forward when franchises went all out during Sunday’s auction, spending heavily to sign some of the most exciting and talented players from across the capital.
520 players were auctioned off, with top picks including Digvesh Rathi (INR 38 lakh to South Delhi Superstars),
Simarjeet Singh (INR 39 lakh to Central Delhi Kings), Nitish Rana (INR 34 lakh to West Delhi Lions), and Prince Yadav (INR 33 lakh to New Delhi Tigers).
Speaking at the event, DDCA President Rohan Jaitley stated, “Last year, we pulled off a fantastic debut season in a limited window, owing to the hard effort of everyone involved. With 35 million views on the Jio platform, 1084 million minutes of watch time, and 240 million views on social media, cricket continues to generate a great global wave of enthusiasm and engagement. This year, we’ve taken it a step further, revamping our auction structure, expanding the player base, and improving domestic cricket to ensure the finest potential emerges. We’ve also established two new men’s franchises, keeping our commitment to provide high-quality competitive cricket.”
Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag said, “I’m really looking forward to this season. It’s an excellent opportunity for players to shine on a larger stage. This league provides an opportunity for players to build a name for themselves, with selectors and fans keeping a close eye on them not just in India but also throughout the world. We saw some amazing cricket last year, and I’m confident this season will be much better.”
Central Delhi Kings had already kept Jonty Sidhu prior to the auction and strengthened their team by adding crucial players such as Simarjeet Singh, former India U19 captain Yash Dhull, and Pranshu Vijayran, resulting in a well-rounded unit for the upcoming season. Aaryavir Sehwag was a late addition to the Kings’ roster.
East Delhi Riders bolstered their squad by signing experienced pacer Navdeep Saini, bringing both pace and experience to their bowling attack. They also used the Right to Match (RTM) card to retain promising youngster Mayank Rawat for INR 26 lakh, showing faith in his potential. The team had earlier retained wicketkeeper-batter Anuj Rawat, giving them a solid foundation for the upcoming season.
With Himmat Singh already on board before the auction, New Delhi Tigers turned their focus to emerging talent and batting aggression. They picked up Prince Yadav for a hefty amount, underlining their faith in his abilities, and added Hiten Dalal, known for his explosive batting.
North Delhi Strikers entered the season with a solid foundation, retaining pace spearhead Harshit Rana. They further strengthened their bowling attack by adding left-arm quick Kuldip Yadav. In the batting department, the franchise picked up reliable performer Sarthak Ranjan, while also investing in future talent with the inclusion of youngster Vaibhav Kandpal. With a balanced mix of experience and promise, the Strikers look set for a strong season.
Outer Delhi Warriors, one of the new franchises this season, continued to shape a promising squad. After bringing in Priyansh Arya earlier, the team signed two-time IPL champion Suyash Sharma and made a strong investment in Harsh Tyagi—who has shown impressive form in domestic T20s and offers depth with the bat as well.
Puraani Dilli 6 made a powerful statement ahead of the upcoming season by retaining one of the most iconic names in world cricket — Rishabh Pant. Known for his match-winning abilities and fearless batting, Pant remains the cornerstone of their campaign. Staying true to their vision of building a balanced squad, the franchise also placed its trust in promising young talent, bringing in Vansh Bedi, Dev Lakra, Aayush Singh, and Samarth Seth. With a mix of experience and youthful energy, Puraani Dilli 6 looks well-prepared to make a strong impact this season.
South Delhi Superstarz made a smart move ahead of the auction by retaining Ayush Badoni — a dynamic right-hander known for his ability to score quick runs and contribute with the ball when needed. Strengthening their squad further, the franchise secured star pacer Digvesh Rathi, who impressed everyone with his performances in the IPL 2025 season. The franchise later picked Aryaveer Kohli for INR 1 lakh. With a mix of firepower and all-round skills, the Superstarz look well-equipped for a strong campaign.
West Delhi Lions began their campaign by retaining Ayush Doseja, a dependable performer in their ranks. At the auction, the franchise strategically added experience and leadership by getting seasoned cricketers Nitish Rana and Ishant Sharma. To complement their experienced core, the Lions also invested in promising young talents like Hritik Shokeen and Mayank Gusain, signalling a clear intent to build a balanced squad with both immediate impact and future potential.
India
