Preparations gather pace at Arun Jaitley Stadium; DDCA focuses on world-class match-day experience, infrastructure and opportunities for young cricketers
New Delhi: With Delhi gearing up to host the three-match T20 International series between India and Afghanistan, excitement among cricket fans is steadily building. Preparations at the Arun Jaitley Stadium are progressing, with the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) aiming to deliver a world-class experience for players and spectators.
In an exclusive interview with Times Of Taj, DDCA Secretary Ashok Sharma spoke about the importance of the upcoming international series, the transformation of Delhi cricket in recent years, the growing success of the Delhi Premier League (DPL), improvements in pitch quality and infrastructure, and the association’s plans to create greater opportunities for emerging cricketers.
Delhi Ready to Host a Memorable India-Afghanistan Series
Speaking about the three T20Is scheduled at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Sharma said the series would be a major attraction for cricket lovers in the national capital.
“Hosting India and Afghanistan is a matter of pride for DDCA. Our preparations are progressing well, and we are coordinating with all stakeholders to ensure a seamless experience. Discussions regarding ticket pricing and match-day arrangements are underway,” Sharma said.
He added that Afghanistan has established itself as a competitive force in T20 cricket and that matches between India and Afghanistan have consistently attracted considerable interest among fans.
“We are confident that Delhi spectators will enjoy three exciting matches,” he said.
Professional Approach Has Transformed Delhi Cricket
Reflecting on the changes within DDCA over the past few years, Sharma said professionalism has become a key pillar of the association’s functioning.
“One of our biggest achievements has been the launch of the Delhi Premier League. We were among the first cricket associations in North India to introduce a professional franchise-based T20 league. The tournament has now reached its third edition and has established itself as an important platform for talented cricketers,” he said.
According to Sharma, the DPL has strengthened Delhi’s domestic cricket structure while opening new avenues for young players to showcase their skills.
Arun Jaitley Stadium Witnesses a Major Transformation
Sharma also highlighted the significant improvement in the quality of pitches and facilities at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
“Every phase teaches valuable lessons. We adopted a much more professional system for pitch preparation and ground management,” he said.
He credited the experienced curator and support staff for their efforts in maintaining high standards.
“Even during the ongoing Delhi Premier League, multiple matches have been conducted successfully while maintaining excellent playing conditions. Our objective is to ensure that Delhi continues to offer one of the best cricketing venues in the country,” Sharma added.
DPL Emerging as a Launchpad for Young Talent
According to the DDCA Secretary, the Delhi Premier League has become an important talent-identification platform for domestic cricket.
“The league provides young cricketers with live television exposure, allowing IPL scouts and selectors from across the country to assess their performances. Over the past few years, several Delhi players have earned opportunities at higher levels after impressing in the DPL,” Sharma said.
He described the league as a professional platform where emerging cricketers can perform under competitive conditions and attract the attention of selectors and franchises.
Sharma said DDCA would continue strengthening the DPL so that more Delhi players can progress to the IPL and eventually earn the opportunity to represent India.
Vision for the Future
Sharma reiterated that DDCA’s broader focus remains the overall development of cricket in the national capital.
“Our focus is to continue improving cricketing infrastructure, organise quality competitions and create better opportunities for young players. We want Delhi to remain one of India’s strongest cricket centres,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the India-Afghanistan T20I series and the continued expansion of the Delhi Premier League would further enhance Delhi’s position on India’s cricketing map.
With international cricket returning to the Arun Jaitley Stadium and the DPL continuing to provide a platform for emerging talent, DDCA is looking ahead to a period of greater opportunities, stronger infrastructure and an even bigger cricketing culture in the national capital.
— Times Of Taj
