(IANS Photo)
With the inaugural Delhi Premier League nearing, marquee player Ayush Badoni, who will represent the South Delhi Superstars, expressed his enthusiasm for the forthcoming season, saying “it will be like a mini Indian Premier League”.
Launched by the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), the Delhi Premier League is set to run from August 17 to September 8 at the Shri Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
Badoni, who has scored 977 runs in 62 T20s so far, said, “The Delhi Premier League will offer great exposure for players. For me, it will be like a mini IPL. Playing matches like these always boosts confidence; it will give me and the Delhi cricketers excellent exposure.”
Badoni said, “Delhi players are known for their aggressive cricket. So, the DPL will be very competitive and fun to watch for cricket followers. What excites me most about the league is playing against Ishant Sharma. We always have this banter that he’ll get me out, and I tell him I’ll hit him for sixes, so playing against him will be fun,” he said.
The tournament will showcase six teams: South Delhi Superstars, East Delhi Riders, Central Delhi Kings, North Delhi Strikers, West Delhi Lions, and Purani Dilli 6. Players such as Rishabh Pant, Ishant Sharma, Harshit Rana, Yash Dhull, and others will be participating.
Badoni was the top choice for the South Delhi Superstars, a team owned by renowned Indian batter Shikhar Dhawan. Regarding Dhawan’s involvement, Badoni revealed, “After the player draft, Shikhar bhai contacted me, and we’ve been regularly chatting about the team and our preparations.”
“He is very confident with the team we have, and the environment is pretty relaxed. We’re looking forward to playing and lifting the DPL trophy,” he concluded.
