Rajeev Shukla Hails UPT20 League as Key Pathway to IPL, Backs Future Expansion

With the fourth edition of the UPT20 League set to get underway on August 14, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla believes the tournament has firmly established itself as one of the strongest talent development platforms for cricketers from Uttar Pradesh.

The competition will begin with defending champions Kashi Rudras taking on Meerut Mavericks, while the 24-day tournament will feature 34 matches before concluding with the final in Kanpur on September 6.

Highlighting the league's growing influence, Shukla pointed to the increasing number of Uttar Pradesh players making it to the Indian Premier League.

"This is the fourth edition of the UPT20 League, and the impact it has made over the past three seasons is there for everyone to see. This year alone, 18 players from Uttar Pradesh featured in the IPL. Many of them got their breakthrough after performing well in the UPT20 League. IPL scouts closely follow this tournament, making it an important platform for young cricketers to showcase their talent and earn opportunities at the highest level," he said.

Shukla also praised the UPCA Speed Hunt programme, which has helped identify promising fast bowlers from different regions of the state and create a direct route into the league.

"The UPCA Speed Hunt has also been a major success. We have identified fast bowlers from across the state, and this year 38 bowlers, all consistently clocking over 134 kmph, earned a place in the auction. It shows that talented players from every corner of Uttar Pradesh now have a pathway to the UPT20 League and, eventually, to the IPL," he added.

He further suggested that every franchise should include at least one Speed Hunt player among their uncapped signings, strengthening the initiative's role in developing future pace bowlers.

Looking ahead, Shukla said the door remains open for the league's expansion if recommended by the Governing Council.

"The league has now become stable after three successful seasons. If the Governing Council recommends expanding beyond six teams in the future, the Apex Council will certainly consider it. Our focus has always been on building a strong and sustainable league before expanding further," he said.

He also reiterated the association's commitment to taking top-level cricket beyond traditional centres.

"We are also committed to taking cricket to more parts of Uttar Pradesh. Hosting the auction in Agra was part of that vision, and we hope it helps strengthen the city's cricketing ecosystem. Infrastructure remains the key, and as more quality venues are developed across the state, we will continue exploring opportunities to expand the league."

The opening ceremony and the first phase of the tournament will be held at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow before the action shifts to Green Park Stadium in Kanpur for the remainder of the competition, including the playoffs and final.