Simarjeet, Digvesh most expensive buys at Delhi Premier League auction

Pacer Simarjeet Singh, leg-spinner Digvesh Rathi and batter Nitish Rana were the three most expensive buys in Sunday’s player auction for the second edition of the Delhi Premier League (DPL).

The 27-year-old Simarjeet, who has played for Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League, was the most sought-after acquisition as Central Delhi Kings forked out ₹39 lakh for his services.

The interest around Digvesh came as no surprise. The long-haired leggie had a splendid start to his IPL career with Lucknow Super Giants this year, scalping14 in 13 matches. South Delhi Superstars, which retained Ayush Badoni ahead of the auction, signed Digvesh for ₹38 lakh. Badoni and Digvesh are teammates at LSG too.

Having recently returned to Delhi after playing for Uttar Pradesh for the past two domestic seasons, Nitish, 31, was signed by West Delhi Lions for ₹34 lakh.

While Rishabh Pant was retained by Puraani Dilli 6 for ₹21 lakh, fast bowler Harshit Rana will continue to represent North Delhi Strikers. New franchise Outer Delhi Warriors picked Priyansh Arya ahead of the auction after he was released by South Delhi Superstars. New Delhi Tigers is the other new team this season.

“The decision to add two new franchises was to ensure that more players get an opportunity. What we realised last year is that there are a lot of players out there who go through the rigours of the various levels within the State,” Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) president Rohan Jaitley said.

Virender Sehwag was in attendance at the start of Sunday’s auction. Later in the day, his 17-year-old son Aaryavir was picked by Central Delhi Kings for ₹8 lakh. The auction for the women’s event will be held on Monday.