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News18
15-06-2025
- Sport
- News18
DDCA Planning To Increase Number Of Teams In 2nd Edition Of Delhi Premier League
'We are thinking of increasing facilities in DPL… there are talks of increasing the teams as well (from six to eight)," Sharma told PTI Videos, highlighting DDCA's plan to expand the tournament. 'The new DPL season will begin in the first or second week of August," he added. Sharma mentioned that DDCA was pleased that many players who participated in the DPL last year had gone on to play in the Indian Premier League this year. 'A total of 14 cricketers (who competed in) DPL played in the IPL… players like Digvesh Rathi, Ayush Badoni and Priyansh Arya, among others," he said, adding that there were plans to give a boost to women's cricket as well. DDCA recently launched a women's T20 tournament in which 41 affiliated clubs are participating. Sharma said DDCA plans to add two more women's teams by next year. 'Our apex council is giving special focus to women's cricket. If any (affiliated) club fields its women's team, it will be given Rs one lakh as subsidy and if they build their ground, then they will be give Rs 2.5 lakhs." Sharma noted that the Arun Jaitley Stadium had undergone significant renovations and changes, resulting in improved facilities for players and spectators. 'We got a bad name sometimes when lights went off or the pitch wasn't in good condition. So, we renovated the stadium to provide better facilities. It was a proud moment for our apex council when we were given the 'Best Pitch Award in IPL', which is a big achievement," he added. With the BCCI shifting the venue for the three-match women's ODI series between India and Australia in September-October from Chennai to Delhi and Mullanpur, Sharma said DDCA was committed to providing the best facilities for the players. The matches were moved to Delhi and Mullanpur as the Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai is undergoing a revamp of the outfield and pitches. 'We will provide the best facilities (for the women's ODI here). We will have a lot of facilities to generate spectator interest. We have a good curator staff and everything is ready for Australia series," said Sharma. The DDCA is also planning to send players for umpiring courses to further nurture cricketing talent. 'We want to send a few players from DDCA for umpiring courses." he said. (With inputs from PTI)


Mint
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Mint
DPL expansion on the cards, says DDCA director Shyam Sunder
New Delhi, Jun 15 (PTI) The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) is planning to increase the number of teams in the second edition of the Delhi Premier League T20 tournament to eight, said its director Shyam Sunder Sharma. The inaugural edition of the DPL was held last year with six teams, representing different zones in Delhi, competing in the franchise-based tournament. "We are thinking of increasing facilities in DPL... there are talks of increasing the teams as well (from six to eight)," Sharma told PTI Videos, highlighting DDCA's plan to expand the tournament. "The new DPL season will begin in the first or second week of August," he added. Sharma said that DDCA was happy that a large number of players who competed in DPL last year had gone on to play in the Indian Premier League this year. "A total of 14 cricketers (who competed in) DPL played in the IPL... players like Digvesh Rathi, Ayush Badoni and Priyansh Arya, among others," he said, adding that there were plans to give a boost to women's cricket as well. DDCA recently kicked off a women's T20 tournament in which 41 affiliated club are taking part. Sharma said DDCA planned to add two more women's teams by next year. "Our apex council is giving special focus to women's cricket. If any (affiliated) club fields its women's team, it will be given ₹ one lakh as subsidy and if they build their ground, then they will be give ₹ 2.5 lakhs." Sharma said that the Arun Jaitley Stadium had undergone significant renovations and changes resulting in improved facilities for the players and spectators. "We got a bad name sometimes when lights went off or the pitch wasn't in good condition. So, we renovated the stadium to provide better facilities. It was a proud moment for our apex council when we were given the 'Best Pitch Award in IPL', which is a big achievement," he added. With the BCCI shifting the venue for the three-match women's ODI series between India and Australia in September-October from Chennai to Delhi and Mullanpur, Sharma said DDCA was committed to providing the best facilities to the players. The matches were moved to Delhi and Mullanpur as the Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai is undergoing a revamp of the outfield and pitches. "We will provide the best facilities (for the women's ODI here). We will have a lot of facilities to generate spectator interest. We have a good curator staff and everything is ready for Australia series," said Sharma. The DDCA is also planning to send players for umpiring courses to further nurture cricketing talent. "We want to send a few players from DDCA for umpiring courses." he said.


TECHx
11-06-2025
- Business
- TECHx
MBRIF Hosts Demo Day to Spotlight Cohort 9 Startups
Home » Startups » MBRIF Hosts Demo Day to Spotlight Cohort 9 Startups The Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF), an initiative by the UAE Ministry of Finance, announced the successful completion of its Demo Day event. The event showcased innovations from members of Cohort 9 of its Innovation Accelerator Program. MBRIF revealed that the Demo Day aimed to highlight groundbreaking projects from startups operating in the UAE and globally. These companies are looking to expand their presence in the country and represent key sectors including health, transport, education, technology, clean energy, water, and space. The startups competed for three key awards: Best Pitch Best UAE Homegrown Business Most Impactful Business The event began with welcome remarks from Shaker Zainal, Head of MBRIF and Chief Business Officer at Emirates Development Bank. A keynote address followed, delivered by H.E. Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of Emirates Development Bank. Member companies delivered innovative presentations, showcasing their creativity and market potential. The Ministry of Finance's representative at MBRIF, Fatima Yousif Alnaqbi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Support Services Sector, praised the achievements of Cohort 9. She reported that the presentations aligned with the goals of the UAE's National Innovation Strategy. Alnaqbi emphasized MBRIF's ongoing commitment to support startups through tailored mentorship, strategic networking, and world-class resources. She added that this support equips startups to grow and compete on a global scale. Alnaqbi congratulated all participants and noted MBRIF's readiness to continue backing their journey. A panel of industry experts evaluated the pitches. The judges included: Ali AlMajthoob, Managing Director at MEVP Ivo Detelinov, General Partner at Salica Investments Karim Konsowa, Portfolio Manager at Hub71 The judges focused on the strengths and potential of each company in both local and global markets. At the end of the event, MBRIF announced the award winners. Aura received the Best Pitch Award. Mantas was named Best UAE Homegrown Business. Neuroblast won the Most Impactful Business Award. MBRIF reported that its Innovation Accelerator Program continues to serve as a key driver of innovation and entrepreneurship in the UAE. The program supports startups in vital sectors and aligns with national strategies to foster innovation. The Demo Day provided a platform for startups to connect with investors, gain exposure, and access growth opportunities. MBRIF affirmed its role in offering mentorship, insights, and global networking to help startups scale sustainably.