Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh - The Uttar Pradesh T20 (UPT20) League is set to return to the historic Green Park Stadium in Kanpur for its upcoming season. The decision was solidified during a governing council meeting of the league and the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) held in Lucknow on Tuesday.
This marks the second occasion Green Park Stadium will host the league, with the tournament slated to run from mid-August to the first week of September.
The league organizers are reportedly in discussions with international broadcasters and aim for a significant global footprint, with aspirations to broadcast the league in an estimated 100-200 countries. In India, the matches are expected to be aired on Sony and Doordarshan.
Amplifying Ambitions: "Mini IPL" Vision
Sources indicate a central objective for this season is to establish the UPT20 League as a "mini IPL" within the country. This endeavor is framed not merely as a tournament but as a platform to showcase the talent of Uttar Pradesh's 75 districts and its estimated 250 million populace on a global stage.
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Player trials are scheduled to commence in June, with specific dates allocated for various teams.
Kanpur Superstars' trials are slated for June 26-30, concluding the selection process.
Each team aims to assemble a squad of 25 players through these trials.
The league's reach is projected to extend internationally, with Sony designated as the broadcast partner and Sony LIV as the digital platform. DD Sports will also feature live telecasts. Organizers anticipate surpassing 100 million total views within the next three years.
Adding Glamour and Engagement
Beyond the on-field action, the league plans to incorporate elements of glamour, with indications of celebrity involvement through partnerships and ownership. A "Trophy Tour" is also being planned to exhibit the championship trophy across major cities in Uttar Pradesh, engaging the public.
Decisions regarding player retention policies, squad purse limits, and transfer windows have been finalized to enhance the league's professionalism and ensure a transparent system between franchise owners and players. The UPCA expresses confidence that these measures will contribute to making it a premier state-level league globally.
Economic and Infrastructural Implications
The relocation to Green Park is anticipated to inject a renewed sense of energy into Kanpur's sports culture. Beyond cricket, the league's presence is expected to stimulate tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
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A significant development highlighted in earlier reports includes a substantial fee concession approved by the UP Cabinet for UPT20 League matches at Green Park. UPCA will benefit from a 90% reduction on the standard event fee, lowering the cost to Rs 2.5 lakh per match per day. This move underscores the state government's support for the league.
Historical Context and Pitch Performance
Green Park Stadium, with its storied history in Indian cricket, has previously hosted international and domestic matches. The first edition of the UPT20 League saw the stadium's pitches described as batting-friendly, producing a high number of runs, boundaries, and centuries. Reports suggest that the pitches were prepared to favor the shorter format of the game, capable of accommodating scores even above 250 runs.
