The Delhi Premier League (DPL T20) is gearing up for its second season, and with fresh rules, defined player categories, and detailed auction purse structures revealed by the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), excitement across Delhi’s cricketing circuit is at an all-time high.
This year, the men’s player auction is scheduled for July 6, followed by the women’s auction on July 7 – both taking place in New Delhi and streaming live on FanCode. And from the looks of it, Season 2 is shaping up to be bigger, bolder, and more inclusive than ever.
No Age Bar
In a significant and progressive shift, the DDCA has confirmed that there will be no age restrictions for auction entrants. This means even U-16 talents are eligible to be picked, opening the door for budding cricketers to share the field with seasoned names – a huge win for grassroots development and talent exposure.
Men’s Auction Breakdown: Rs 1.5 Crore Purse Per Franchise
Each of the six original franchises in DPL 2025 will enter the auction with a purse of Rs 1.5 crore. Here’s how the player pool has been structured:
Marquee Players (19): Former or current India internationals and IPL players
Category A (35): DDCA-registered first-class and ex-IPL players
Category B (105): U-23, U-19, and U-16 players
Category C (361): Regional league performers
Retention Rules – One Player, Four Options
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Every team is allowed to retain one player from any of the four categories, with a deduction from their purse as follows:
Marquee – Rs 21 Lakhs
Category A – Rs 10 Lakhs
Category B – Rs 4.5 Lakhs
Category C – Rs 1.5 Lakhs
Right to Match (RTM): Strategy Comes Into Play
Each team can use one RTM card, but only for Category A, B, or C players – marquee players are off the table. However, new franchises will not be allowed to use RTMs.
New Franchises Get a Fair Start
The two new teams joining the DPL fold won’t be left behind. Post-retentions, they’ll be allowed to pick one player from any category. If more than one team wants the same player, the one willing to spend more gets the pick.
Women’s Auction: Bigger, Better and More Competitive
Each women’s franchise will have a purse of Rs 75 lakhs, with the player pool organized as follows:
Marquee Players (7): Includes India internationals and top DDCA talent
Category A (18): First-class cricketers
Category B (34): U-23 and U-19 players
Category C (96): Regional performers
Women’s Retention Rules
Teams can retain one player, with the following deductions:
Marquee – Rs 10.5 Lakhs
Category A – Rs 6 Lakhs
Category B – Rs 2.5 Lakhs
Category C – Rs 1 Lakh
Each team also gets one RTM, limited to Category A, B, or C players.
All Eyes on the Auction
With rules in place, strategies being drawn, and both new and returning players ready to go under the hammer, DPL Season 2 is all set to deliver drama, high-stakes bidding wars, and moments that could define the future of Delhi cricket. From young prodigies to established names, the mix is mouth-watering and it all starts July 6.
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