LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh T20 League is gearing up for its fourth season, poised to deliver a high-intensity cricketing spectacle starting in mid-August. Matches are slated to be held at two premier venues: the Ekana International Cricket Stadium in Lucknow and the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur.

Sanjay Kapoor, chairman of the UP T20 League, announced plans to transform the tournament into a 'mini-IPL,' leveraging Uttar Pradesh’s massive population base of 25 crore to expand the league's footprint across the state.

"We plan to make the UP T20 League a mini-IPL. UP is the largest state in India with 25 crore population. The league wants to expand its reach across Uttar Pradesh and bring in star mentors to boost team morale and fan engagement,"

he told The Times of India.

A key highlight of the upcoming season is the introduction of star mentors for each franchise. These mentors are expected to bring international experience and strategic insight, enhancing team performance and attracting greater fan interest.

Kapoor dismissed rumors about the addition of two new franchises, confirming that the league will continue with its existing six-team structure. However, efforts are underway to extend the tournament duration beyond the previous 15-day window. The proposed schedule includes single-header matches from Monday to Thursday and double-headers on weekends—Friday through Sunday—to maximize viewer engagement and stadium attendance.

With growing ambitions and a focus on professional development, the UP T20 League aims to become a crucial talent pipeline for domestic and national cricket.