With the fourth edition of the UPT20 League just around the corner, excitement is building for another season of one of India’s fastest-growing state franchise tournaments. Scheduled to begin on August 14, the competition has steadily gained recognition over the past three seasons for providing young cricketers from Uttar Pradesh with a platform to showcase their talent.
Ahead of the new season, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla reflected on the league’s rapid rise and explained how it has become an important stepping stone for aspiring players looking to break into professional cricket. The 24-day tournament will feature 34 matches before concluding with the final in Kanpur on September 6.
Rajeev Shukla praises UPT20 League’s contribution to IPL talent pipeline
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Shukla highlighted the growing number of Uttar Pradesh players earning opportunities in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after impressing in the UPT20 League. He revealed that as many as 18 players from the state featured in the IPL this year, adding that several of them first caught the attention of franchise scouts through consistent performances in the state league. Players like Rinku Singh and Sameer Rizvi have further showcased how the competition can help cricketers establish themselves on bigger stages.
The BCCI Vice-President also lauded the success of the UPCA Speed Hunt initiative, which has created a direct pathway for promising fast bowlers from across Uttar Pradesh. He revealed that 38 pacers capable of consistently bowling above 134 kmph earned places in this year’s auction through the programme, while also suggesting that every franchise should include at least one Speed Hunt player among their uncapped signings to strengthen the state’s fast-bowling pipeline.
UPT20 League set for another exciting season
The upcoming edition has already generated significant buzz following an eventful player auction. Veteran India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar emerged as the costliest signing, while experienced leg-spinner Karn Sharma also attracted one of the biggest bids, underlining the franchises’ emphasis on experienced campaigners ahead of the new season.
Shukla also spoke about the future of the competition, stating that the league has reached a stable stage after three successful editions. While the tournament currently features six franchises, he said the possibility of expansion remains open if recommended by the Governing Council in the coming years.
He reiterated the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association’s commitment to taking top-level cricket beyond traditional centres by developing infrastructure across the state. As part of that vision, this year’s player auction was held in Agra, with Shukla expressing hope that it would help strengthen the city’s cricketing ecosystem.
The 2026 edition of the UPT20 League will begin at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, where the opening ceremony and initial phase of the tournament will be held. The competition will then move to Green Park Stadium in Kanpur, which will host the remaining league matches, playoffs, and the final.
