UPT20 League shifts to Kanpur’s Green Park

LUCKNOW: In a key development for the Uttar Pradesh T20 League, the fourth edition of the tournament will be shifted to Kanpur, with Green Park Stadium set to host the competition later this year.The decision was taken during a governing council meeting of the league and the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) held in Lucknow on Tuesday. According to sources, the tournament is likely to be held from mid-August to the first week of Sept. This will be the second occasion when Green Park Stadium is hosting the prestigious league.The inaugural edition of the UPT20 League was organised in Kanpur from Aug 30 to Sept 16, 2023, before the tournament was shifted to Lucknow for subsequent editions.Sources said the decision to move the league back to Kanpur was taken in view of the tournament’s expansion and growing interest among the people.The UPT20 governing council is also planning a trophy tour ahead of the tournament. The tour is expected to cover six venues, including cities represented by the franchises and regional headquarters across the state.Sources said that player trials for the league are expected in June, while the auction is likely to be conducted in July.The organisers are also aiming for a wider global reach this season, with plans to broadcast the league in nearly 100-200 countries. The council is reportedly in talks with several international broadcasters, while in India the league is likely to be telecast on Sony and Doordarshan.“The vision is to take the league to bigger platforms and enhance the identity and glamour quotient of every franchise,” a source said, adding that Bollywood celebrities could also be seen at the auction tables this season.