The inaugural edition of the Delhi Premier League 2024 kicked off on August 17, Saturday. Amid glitz and glamour, the opening ceremony saw actress Sonam Bajwa and singer Badshah give dazzling performances. The Arun Jaitley Stadium, where all the matches of the DPL 2024, was lit up with star-studded performances. The opening gala was attended by DDCA’s top management, franchise team owners, players as well as the supporting staff from all the participating men’s and women’s teams. The league was officially declared open by Rohan Jaitley, president of the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA).

Rishabh Pant was felicitated by the DDCA president and BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla. He was honoured for his contributions to India’s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph. Pant is the captain of the Purani Dilli 6 team, who took on South Delhi Superstarz in the tournament opener. Pant made his return to the Indian team during the T20 World Cup, held in the USA and West Indies in June. Rishabh was part of India’s ODI and T20I squad against Sri Lanka but could not make an impact.

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Pant in Delhi Premier League

The 26-year-old continued his sluggish form as he managed to score only 35 runs from 32 balls. Batting first against the South Delhi Superstarz, the Purani Dilli 6 captain ended with a strike-rate of just 109.

The first edition of the Delhi Premier League will feature 40 matches, including 33 men’s and 7 women’s games, all to be held at Arun Jaitley Stadium. The tournament will take place from August 17 to September 8, 2024. The Dilli 6 team is slated to play 10 matches till September 2, and it could be uncertain if he will participate in all the matches. Pant is also expected to make a comeback in Test cricket and might feature as India’s wicketkeeper-batter during the two-match series against Bangladesh.