Action-packed DPL heads to Toti

The explosive and action-packed Dolphins Premier League (DPL) spectacle is coming to Toti this month.

The DPL is a cricket tournament modelled on the IPL T20 with a few alterations to the rules to spice the games up a bit and make them more interesting for players and the public. The format is T18, which means only 18 overs per innings, to enable three matches to be played at one venue on each day. That means even more explosive cricket action than what we have come to expect from T20.

Each team will play each other once, with the top four going through to the play-offs, and then the final. All the matches, including the 12 to be played at Hutchison Park, will be televised on SuperSport. Local cricket lovers can catch all the action on Saturday, 31 August and Sunday, 1 September.

“The DPL is the brainchild of the KZNCU and the main aim is to bring the Dolphins franchise, KZNCU playing affairs and premier league closer together,” said Amanzimtoti Cricket Club (ACC) vice-chairperson, Rex Hindman. “This tournament gives players from the premier league an opportunity to play with and against the top players in KZN.”

READ ALSO: Toti’s new cricket star shines

It gives great exposure to up and coming players, to bring new life to club cricket and give every cricketer in KZN a chance to prove themselves at the next level to get themselves in the running to snag a contract with KZNCU. Every team will see players from all levels in the same squad, where rookies and schoolboys share changerooms with Hollywoodbets Dolphins players. It brings players from around the province into the same team, and breaks down any barriers which may exist.

The league consists of eight teams, who were bought by various businesses and named after an area in KZN, with between 15 and 16 players and two coaches. Each team was given a set amount of funds to bid for players and Dolphins, KZN A, academy and premier league players were then auctioned off to the teams. The schoolboys and rookies were entered into a draft system, where each team took turns to select one of three for their team.

Locals will have plenty to cheer about, as two Amanzimtoti Cricket Club first team players have been selected to play for the East Coast Wizards in the tournament. They are Jarryd Michaux and Cody Gertze. The East Coast Wizards’ coach is Desigan Reddy, who also coaches Toti’s first team.

“Last year the DPL was run for the first time with very encouraging feedback from players and the public. This year KZNCU decided to take the games further afield from Durban Central and we were one of the clubs asked to participate. This was based on our facilities and the quality of the pitches provided by ACC.

READ ALSO: Toti cricketers selected to Dolphins Academy

“KZNCU hopes that the quality of players on offer and the format of the games will attract a sizeable crowd from our local community to go and watch the games at Hutchinson Park. It is three days of top quality cricket, where children and adults get the opportunity to rub shoulders with the cream of KZN cricket players. It will also be a great opportunity to show case our wonderful facilities on national TV,” said Rex.

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