LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh T20 League is set for a major venue change, with the competition’s fourth season expected to return to Kanpur. Green Park Stadium has been named as the host venue for the tournament later this year, following a decision taken by the league’s governing council and the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) during a meeting in Lucknow on Tuesday.
Key takeaways
- The fourth edition of the UPT20 League will be shifted to Kanpur, with Green Park Stadium slated to host the tournament later this year.
- The decision was approved at a governing council meeting involving the UPT20 and the UPCA in Lucknow on Tuesday.
- The league is expected to run from mid-August to the first week of September.
- Player trials are anticipated in June, while the auction is likely to take place in July.
- Plans are in place for broader international broadcasting, potentially covering 100 to 200 countries.
Return to Kanpur for the fourth season
As the UPT20 League prepares for its next chapter, the tournament’s relocation back to Kanpur marks a significant shift in its calendar and venue planning. Green Park Stadium, a familiar name in the tournament’s early history, will stage the competition again after hosting it in the inaugural season.
The fourth edition is expected to be held from mid-August through the opening days of September. This timeline aligns with the league’s broader push to build momentum and maintain strong local interest as the competition continues to grow.
Green Park Stadium’s earlier hosting history
Green Park Stadium previously hosted the UPT20 League during the first edition of the tournament. The inaugural season took place in Kanpur from August 30 to September 16, 2023, before the league shifted to Lucknow for subsequent editions.
Officials indicated that the move back to Kanpur was influenced by the tournament’s expansion and an increase in public engagement across the region.
Planned trophy tour, trials and auction
Alongside the venue change, the league’s governing body is also working on a trophy tour ahead of the tournament. The tour is expected to cover six venues, including locations tied to the cities represented by the franchises as well as regional headquarters across Uttar Pradesh.
Looking ahead to the squad-building phase, player trials for the UPT20 League are expected to be held in June. The auction is then anticipated in July, as teams prepare to finalise their rosters for the season.
Global broadcast ambitions and celebrity presence
The organisers are aiming for a much wider international footprint this season. The league is reportedly being planned for broadcast across nearly 100 to 200 countries, with discussions underway with several international broadcasters.
In India, the competition is expected to be telecast on Sony and Doordarshan. There is also an expectation of star power at the auction table, with Bollywood celebrities potentially making appearances during the bidding process.
One development driving these plans is the stated objective of taking the league to larger platforms and strengthening the identity and overall glamour associated with each franchise. The organisers believe the combination of improved visibility, expanded reach, and high-profile moments will elevate the tournament’s appeal further.
