UPT20 League Season 4 opens Aug 14: Shankar Mahadevan, Jasmine Sandlas to perform at Ekana
Synopsis
The UPT20 League Season 4 is going big on its opening night — Shankar Mahadevan performing alongside sons Siddharth and Shivam, Jasmine Sandlas bringing Punjabi pop energy, a drone show, and fireworks over Lucknow on 14 August. Then defending champions Kashi Rudras step out to face Meerut Mavericks. This is franchise cricket meets Independence Day spectacle.
Key Takeaways
Shankar Mahadevan and Jasmine Sandlas will headline the UPT20 League Season 4 opening ceremony on 14 August at Ekana Stadium, Lucknow .
Siddharth Mahadevan and Shivam Mahadevan will join Shankar Mahadevan on stage for a family musical performance.
The evening will feature a drone show , live narration, and a grand fireworks display ; hosted by Jatin Sapru .
Defending champions Kashi Rudras face Meerut Mavericks in the tournament's opening match immediately after the ceremony.
Phase 1 runs in Lucknow until 26 August ; the grand final is at Green Park Stadium, Kanpur on 6 September .
Shankar Mahadevan and Jasmine Sandlas will headline the grand opening ceremony of the UP T20 League Season 4 on 14 August at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, organisers confirmed on 11 August. The ceremony will mark the start of a 24-day cricketing tournament spanning multiple cities across Uttar Pradesh.
The Opening Night Lineup
The star-studded evening will be hosted by Jatin Sapru and will blend classical music, contemporary chart-toppers, and cutting-edge visual spectacles. Joining Shankar Mahadevan on stage will be his sons Siddharth Mahadevan and Shivam Mahadevan, making it a family musical showcase. Jasmine Sandlas, known for her Punjabi pop crossover appeal, adds a contemporary edge to the evening's programme.
The visual highlights of the night include a drone show with live narration and a grand fireworks display over the Lucknow skyline — a production scale that signals the league's growing ambitions as a franchise cricket property.
What the League Chairman Said
UPT20 League Chairman Dr. Sanjay Kapoor welcomed the announcement, saying, 'The UPT20 League has always been about combining high-intensity cricket with world-class entertainment for our fans. We are thrilled to feature iconic performers like Shankar Mahadevan and Jasmine Sandlas at our opening ceremony.'
He added, 'Their extraordinary musical versatility and massive youth appeal perfectly embody the energy and spirit of Uttar Pradesh cricket. Along with spectacular visual displays, the opening night at Ekana Stadium will be an unforgettable experience for everyone.'
The First Match and Tournament Schedule
Immediately after the opening ceremony concludes, the on-field action begins with the inaugural match of Season 4 — defending champions Kashi Rudras taking on the Meerut Mavericks. The clash sets up what promises to be a competitive title defence for Kashi Rudras.
Phase 1 of the tournament will be held in Lucknow through 26 August. The competition then moves to Green Park Stadium in Kanpur for the second phase, with the grand final scheduled for 6 September.
Growing Profile of UPT20 League
The UPT20 League has steadily built its identity as a state-level franchise T20 tournament that pairs high-profile entertainment with competitive cricket, drawing from Uttar Pradesh's deep cricketing talent pool. The choice of Ekana Stadium — one of India's modern international-standard venues — underscores the event's scale. This is the fourth edition of the league, and the entertainment investment signals organisers are intent on expanding its cultural footprint beyond just the sport.
With the grand final pencilled in for 6 September in Kanpur, all eyes will now be on whether Kashi Rudras can defend their title across a gruelling 24-day campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is performing at the UPT20 League Season 4 opening ceremony?
Shankar Mahadevan and Jasmine Sandlas will headline the opening ceremony of UPT20 League Season 4 on 14 August at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Siddharth Mahadevan and Shivam Mahadevan will also join Shankar Mahadevan on stage.
When and where is the UPT20 League Season 4 opening ceremony?
The opening ceremony is scheduled for 14 August at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
Which teams play the first match of UPT20 League Season 4?
Defending champions Kashi Rudras take on the Meerut Mavericks in the inaugural match of Season 4, played immediately after the opening ceremony concludes on 14 August.
What is the schedule for UPT20 League Season 4?
Phase 1 runs in Lucknow until 26 August, followed by Phase 2 at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur. The grand final is scheduled for 6 September in Kanpur, making it a 24-day tournament in total.
Who is hosting the UPT20 League Season 4 opening night?
Sports presenter Jatin Sapru will host the opening ceremony, which will feature classical music, contemporary performances, a drone show with live narration, and a fireworks display.
