Outer Delhi Warriors Launch Groundbreaking Under-15 Cricket Championship

The Outer Delhi Warriors have launched the Krishna Apra Future Star Under-15 Championship, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at discovering and nurturing young cricket talent in the Delhi NCR region. Scheduled for June 2026, this tournament will feature open trials, a live auction, and a structured competition mirroring professional leagues. With notable figures like Parthiv Patel and Aakash Chopra as Brand Ambassadors, the championship promises to provide essential exposure and mentorship for aspiring cricketers. This initiative marks a significant step in developing grassroots cricket in India, offering young players a pathway to professional opportunities.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 15, 2026, 15:52 IST

Introduction to the Championship

The Outer Delhi Warriors, a cherished team in the Delhi Premier League, have officially unveiled the inaugural Krishna Apra Future Star Under-15 Championship. This grassroots T20 tournament aims to nurture the next wave of cricketing talent from the Delhi NCR region.

Tournament Details and Key Appointments

Scheduled to take place at the Jamia Millia Islamia grounds in New Delhi from June 20 to June 27, 2026, the championship will kick off with preliminary trials in May, culminating in a live auction. The event will also be showcased on a popular streaming platform.

Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has been appointed as the Brand Ambassador, bringing his T20 mentoring experience from his time with the Gujarat Titans. Additionally, cricketer-turned-broadcaster Aakash Chopra will serve as the chief global face of the tournament. Sanjay Rawat will oversee the tournament as Secretary, with Navnati Dinesh, a former NCA Director, joining the management team to ensure a successful championship.

Championship Structure and Player Pathway

This championship is designed for under-fifteen male players from the Delhi NCR area, mirroring the structure of a senior professional league. It will feature open trials similar to T20 formats, followed by an auction to select 200 players for eight franchises.

The selected teams will compete in 15 league matches, divided into two groups, followed by two semi-finals and a final, all in T20 format. High-performing players will gain entry into the Outer Delhi Warriors Academy Training Programme, which offers performance support, holistic development, and mentorship from experienced cricketers.

Vision Behind the Championship

Naresh Panwar, Co-owner of the Outer Delhi Warriors, expressed, "Our franchise has a broad vision aimed at nurturing grassroots champions and guiding them towards senior pathways. The Krishna Apra Future Star Under-15 Championship is a significant step for aspiring young cricketers in Delhi NCR to prepare for competitive T20 environments."

Having joined the DPL as a new franchise in the 2025 season, the Outer Delhi Warriors have quickly established themselves as a recognizable team, featuring IPL players like Priyansh Arya, Suyash Sharma, Harsh Tyagi, and Shivam Sharma.

Aakash Chopra emphasized the importance of identifying talent at the right age, stating, "With proper trials and televised support, this initiative will empower young talents to strive for success." Parthiv Patel added, "The gap between raw talent and a professional career is bridged by discipline and exposure, which this championship aims to provide."