​After weeks of meetings, intense brainstorming, and a cascade of statements from stakeholders about where the upcoming UPT20 League would take place, the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) has finally brought clarity to the speculation. Acting on the directives issued by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the league will adopt a two-city format, with Lucknow and Kanpur sharing hosting duties. This decision was formalized during a high-level UPCA meeting in Delhi on Wednesday, where officials agreed that the opening ceremony would take place at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow and the grand final would be staged at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur.
The tournament is expected to feature approximately 34 matches in total. Ekana Stadium in Lucknow is projected to host around 20 to 22 matches, covering the first phase of the league, while Green Park Stadium in Kanpur is anticipated to host about 10 to 12 matches during the second phase. The routing of the schedule reflects practical considerations, including weather patterns and crowd logistics, aimed at delivering a smooth, well-organized event across both venues.
The first phase has been allocated to Lucknow in particular because of weather resilience. The UPT20 League is slated to begin in mid-August, a window historically characterized by heavy rainfall across the state. Ekana Stadium is equipped with a modern drainage system and robust rain-handling capabilities, making it better suited to manage potential rain interruptions and minimize waterlogging. By assigning Lucknow the opening phase, organizers hope to ensure that the early matches proceed with minimal disruption, setting a positive tone for the tournament’s progression.
As monsoon activity intensifies, the plan transitions to Kanpur for the second phase. The climatological expectations indicate a relative easing of monsoon intensity by that stage, which aligns with scheduling the latter portion of the league in Kanpur. This two-city approach is designed to optimize playability conditions and spectator experience across a span of weeks while maintaining the integrity of the league format.
UPCA secretary Prem Manohar Gupta underscored that the final decision was made after a thorough assessment of multiple factors, including weather forecasts, logistical requirements, and operational feasibility. “Finally, a decision has been made that the prestigious league will be held across two cities as per the instructions of CM Yogi Adityanath. Around 20 to 22 matches will be played at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, while 10 to 12 matches will be held at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur. We have considered all factors, including weather conditions,” Gupta stated.
The two-city hosting arrangement reflects a strategic balance between safeguarding the tournament’s schedule and ensuring top-tier venues are available to accommodate large audiences and media coverage. Fans can anticipate an event that starts with the electric ambiance of Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium, progressing through a tightly packed schedule of high-intensity matches, and culminating in a climactic final at Kanpur’s Green Park Stadium. The UPCA’s decision emphasizes pragmatism in the face of monsoon uncertainties while keeping the league’s growth and visibility at the forefront.
In the coming weeks, organizers are expected to finalize the fixture list, ticketing details, and security protocols, ensuring a seamless flow from the opening ceremony to the grand finale. The two-city model aims to maximize accessibility for fans across western and central Uttar Pradesh, while also showcasing two of the state’s premier cricket venues on a grand stage. As preparations move forward, stakeholders at UPCA remain focused on delivering a tournament that honors the spirit of the game, honors the CM’s directive, and delivers compelling cricket to fans across Lucknow, Kanpur, and beyond.