The first-ever prize-money tennis-ball cricket tournament, the Dhakuakhana Premier League (DPL) Season 1, is set to begin at the Dhakuakhana Mini Stadium on October 1, with the day-and-night tournament scheduled to continue until October 4.
The organising committee announced at a press conference that eight teams would participate in the tournament. The player registration process has concluded, with more than 200 players registering, while the player auction is scheduled for September 27.
The tournament will begin on October 1 with a cleanliness drive at 6 am, followed by a tree plantation programme at 7 am by Devajit Phukan, Paribesh Mitra of Assam. Organising committee president Bitopan Gogoi will hoist the flag at 8 am, followed by the official inauguration by Dhakuakhana Co-District Commissioner Apurba Kumar Nath at 8.30 am. League-stage matches will be played from 9 am onwards from October 1 to 3.
The closing ceremony is scheduled for October 4. Dhakuakhana MLA Naba Kumar Doley will inaugurate the ceremony at 3 pm. The first semi-final will begin at 4 pm, followed by the second semi-final at 6 pm.
An exhibition friendly match between CDC XI and DPL Organisers XI will be played at 8 pm, followed by the grand finale at 10 pm. The prize distribution ceremony is scheduled for midnight.
Organising committee president Bitopan Gogoi and secretary Biswajit Baruah appealed to sports enthusiasts from greater Dhakuakhana to extend their support and attend the event.
The matches will also be broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube for fans unable to attend the tournament in person.
