New Delhi, Aug 28 (HS): Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) president Rohan Jaitley has hailed the rapid rise of T20 leagues across India, saying they should not be viewed as competitors but rather as nurseries nurturing fresh cricketing talent. Jaitley emphasized that such initiatives strengthen the structure of Indian cricket and contribute significantly to the game’s holistic growth.
“State leagues are not rivals; they act as feeders to their own ecosystems,” Jaitley remarked. “Every state has its own talent pool and framework. More leagues mean more opportunities for cricketers, which is a very promising sign for Indian cricket.”
Speaking about the second season of the Delhi Premier League (DPL), he highlighted the marked improvement in scale, organization and quality compared to the inaugural edition. According to him, the league has not only raised the standard of competition but also laid a strong foundation for both men’s and women’s cricket in the capital city.
“As administrators, our effort is always to surpass the previous season—with better planning and better execution,” he said. “This year, the league is more professional, more structured, with stronger team management and a maturing ecosystem. Records don’t need to be broken every season, but continuity and the scale of competition matter. Players are also fitter and entering the domestic calendar better prepared.”
The current season of DPL has introduced two new franchises, which Jaitley described as bringing “fresh energy” to the tournament. He praised the professional approach of the new team owners and the support extended by established squads, saying this synergy creates more opportunities and makes the league stronger.
Jaitley also underlined the significance of live television broadcasting: “Having the tournament telecast on Star Sports is a game-changer. Many events remain confined to digital platforms, but TV coverage gives us unmatched reach and visibility. This benefits both players and fans immensely.”
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
