Reports: Rishabh Pant to play in first match of inaugural Delhi Premier League T20

Star India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is all set to play in the curtain raiser of the inaugural Delhi Premier League (DPL). The highly-anticipated franchise tournament is scheduled to begin on Saturday, August 17.

According to a report in the Times of India on Thursday (August 15), the 26-year-old Pant has confirmed his participation in the opening encounter, where his team - Purani Delhi 6 locks horns with Ayush Badoni-led South Delhi Superstarz at Arun Jaitley Stadium on August 17.

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“Rishabh has agreed to play the first match of the DPLT20 as he wanted to be a part of this initiative that is likely to provide a great platform for youngsters in Delhi. He acknowledges the role played by Delhi cricket in his career. However, it’s important for him to take care of himself, given that there is a long Test season coming. Being in prime shape to represent the country is his utmost priority. He will get back to red-ball training after the first match of the DPL and start preparing for the long-format season, starting with the Duleep Trophy in the first week of September. DDCA and the Purani Delhi 6 management appreciate Rishabh’s gesture and also respect his commitments,” a source close to Pant told TOI.

DPL 2024 will feature a total of 40 matches, including 33 games in the men's tournament and seven in the women's. The six teams competing in the men's tournament are Purani Delhi 6, Central Delhi Kings, North Delhi Strikers, West Delhi Lions, and East Delhi Riders. All the matches will be held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium and the summit clash will be played on September 8.

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Pant will have Delhi Capitals teammates Ishant Sharma and Lalit Yadav on his side. Meanwhile, Badoni's South Delhi Superstarz also have the likes of Shubham Dubey and Kuldip Yadav, who have recently played in the IPL. After playing in the DPL, Pant will join Abhimanyu Easwaran-led India B team in the Duleep Trophy, which starts on September 5.