CM Yogi inaugurates UP T20 League in Lucknow

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the special season of the UP T20 League at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Friday. The opening match featured Kashi Rudras against Meerut Mavericks, with Meerut winning. Six teams are participating: Kashi Rudras, Meerut, Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Kanpur, and Noida.

Speaking at the ceremony, CM Yogi said the league provides a major platform for young cricketers in a state with a population of 25 crore. He recalled raising the issue of more cricket opportunities with BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla. The freepressjournal.in report quotes him saying UP T20 gives wings to youth dreams and strengthens the state's cricketing base. Hindustan Times added that singers Jasmine Sandals and Shankar Mahadevan performed, and a drone show with team logos and the Indian flag was held.

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla, former cricketer Suresh Raina, and India batsman Abhishek Sharma attended. UP T20 chairman Sanjay Kapoor called the tournament 'UP's cricketing Utsav'. The league is being held in Lucknow and Kanpur, and the CM linked the event to Prime Minister Modi's Fit India vision, saying fit youth build a healthy future.