The UP T20 League’s fourth season was inaugurated at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The league’s grand opening ceremony, set for August 14 at the Ekana Stadium, will showcase performances by sitar maestro Rishab Rikhiram Sharma and singer Jasmine Sandlas. The event will include a drone show and a spectacular fireworks display, promising a unique visual treat for Uttar Pradesh.
4,000 discounted tickets for the opening ceremony were released, with Upper Block tickets priced at ₹349 and Lower Wing tickets at ₹499. The tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis and can also be purchased through the e-District App. Chief Guest Avanish Awasthi, Advisor to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, commended the UP T20 League, highlighting the state’s progress in sports, especially cricket. He mentioned that six teams will participate in this year’s league, providing a platform for young cricketers to shine.
Avanish Awasthi emphasized Uttar Pradesh’s dedication to sports development, mentioning plans for sports infrastructure expansion. He announced the renovation of Green Park Stadium in Kanpur post the league and the upcoming international-standard cricket stadium in Varanasi. Additionally, the foundation stone for the international cricket stadium in Gorakhpur has been laid, indicating the state’s commitment to world-class sports facilities. He also proposed launching a UP Women’s T20 League to promote women’s cricket, suggesting the inclusion of a Kanpur franchise.
Dr. Sanjay Kapoor, Chairman of the UP T20 League Governing Council, responded positively to the idea of a women’s league. Awasthi praised para archer Sheetal Devi for her remarkable achievements, highlighting her as an inspiration for athletes nationwide. Dr. Sanjay Kapoor announced that the tournament will be held in two cities for the first time, with matches scheduled in Lucknow and Kanpur. The tournament will kick off at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, followed by matches at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur, culminating in the grand final on September 6.
