The fourth edition of the UP T20 League was officially inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla. The event took place at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Friday, just one day before India’s 80th Independence Day. This league aims to promote cricket in the region and provide a platform for local talent to showcase their skills.
Addressing the gathering, Adityanath said Uttar Pradesh’s large population provides a vast pool of sporting talent and highlighted the league’s role in giving young cricketers a platform to showcase their abilities. The opening ceremony was attended by former India cricketer Suresh Raina, India batter Abhishek Sharma, UP Sports Minister Girish Chandra Yadav, UP T20 League Chairman Dr Sanjay Kapoor and MLC Mahendra Singh, among other dignitaries.
When BCCI officials met me some time ago, I told them that a single team would not suffice for a state with a population of 25 crore. “Through this league, more than 250 young players are getting the opportunity to showcase their talent on a prominent platform. The tournament features 34 matches across Lucknow and Kanpur. The first phase will be played at Ekana Stadium until August 26, before the action moves to Green Park Stadium in Kanpur for the remaining fixtures, playoffs and the final on September 6.
Initiatives like this will produce future stars who will go on to represent franchises in the IPL and play for Team India,” Shukla said. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi had remarked that a fit youth will shape the future of a Fit India. The UP T20 League is proving to be a magnificent platform for our youngsters to showcase their capabilities. The Chief Minister also underlined the significance of staging the tournament’s opening ceremony on the eve of Independence Day. The season began with a clash between defending champions Kashi Rudras and former champions Meerut Mavericks. UP T20 League chairman Dr Sanjay Kapoor thanked UP CM and BCCI VP for their continued support, describing the competition as a celebration of Uttar Pradesh and an important step towards developing cricket in the state. Additionally, several former cricketers have found valuable avenues across various administrative and technical roles.
Today, our six formidable franchises seamlessly connect Uttar Pradesh from east to west and north to south,” Adityanath said.
