Star Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is all set to feature in the high-voltage match, the curtain-raiser for the inaugural Delhi Premier League—a franchise event that has captured the imagination of the teeming cricket community. One of the most-awaited leagues is set to kick-start on Saturday, August 17, at the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium with Rishabh Pant in participation.

The Times of India reported on Thursday that 26-year-old Pant has declared himself fit to play the opening game in which his team, Purani Dilli 6, will clash with Ayush Badoni-led South Delhi Superstarz. The start of this match is also going to be the first-ever game in the history of DPL and it promises to have a packed house since the fans seem eager to welcome Pant back into competitive cricket.

“Rishabh has agreed to play the first match of the DPL T20 because he wanted to be a part of this initiative, one that promises to offer a great platform to every budding cricketer in Delhi. He realizes the fact that Delhi cricket has contributed immensely to the cricketer he is. At the same time, he is also aware of workload management since a grueling season lies ahead, especially the back-to-back Test series. His main concern is to represent India at the top of his game,” a source close to Pant told TOI.

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“After this game, he is going to go back to red-ball training for the upcoming long-format season that starts with the Duleep Trophy in early September. DDCA and Purani Delhi 6 management respect Rishabh’s gesture and are completely behind his commitments,” added the source.

Breaking🚨Rishabh Pant to Play in Delhi Premier League T20 Opening Match

• Rishabh Pant will participate in the Delhi Premier League T20 opening match.

• He plays for Purani Delhi 6 against South Delhi Superstarz on August 17.

• Pant acknowledges Delhi cricket’s role in his… pic.twitter.com/x7gkFoiY01

— Times India (@Timesindiaa) August 16, 2024

The DPL 2024 will contain all the action with 40 matches, including 33 games about the prestigious men’s tournament and seven matches marked by the women’s tournament. Six teams will compete in the men’s tournament: Purani Delhi 6, Central Delhi Kings, North Delhi Strikers, West Delhi Lions, East Delhi Riders, and the South Delhi Superstarz.

All matches will be organized in Arun Jaitley Stadium, and the finals are due to be held on September 8. Rishabh Pant will be assisted by his Delhi Capitals teammates Ishant Sharma and Lalit Yadav in the Purani Delhi 6 squad.

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On the other hand, in Ayush Badoni’s South Delhi Superstarz, one shall find talents like Shubham Dubey and Kuldip Yadav, who recently made their debuts in the IPL. Pant will resume his competitive cricket post his playing experience in the DPL. He’s all set to wear the threads of the Abhimanyu Easwaran-led India B team as the Duleep Trophy commences on September 5.