The UP T20 League has moved its playoff fixtures and final from Kanpur to Lucknow after persistent heavy rainfall made it impossible to stage complete matches at Green Park Stadium, the tournament's governing council announced on Monday, 31 August. The knockout stage of the competition's fourth season will now be held at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, with all match dates remaining unchanged.

Revised Fixture Schedule

Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator are scheduled for 3 September, followed by Qualifier 2 on 4 September, and the title final on 6 September. The venue shift was officially confirmed by Sanjay Kapoor, Chairman of the UP T20 League Governing Council, at a press conference held at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur.

Why the Venue Was Changed

'Due to the continuous rain in Kanpur, it has become nearly impossible to complete full matches, which directly impacts the game and the players' ability to showcase their talent. In crucial and decisive encounters like the playoffs, it is essential that all participating teams get a fair and equal opportunity to play a complete 20-over match,' Kapoor said.

Local weather forecasts indicated further rainfall over Kanpur in the coming days, leaving organisers with no viable alternative. Kapoor also cited player welfare as a key factor, noting that a wet outfield significantly raises the risk of injuries, while frequent weather interruptions and late-night finishes add to physical and mental fatigue.

Fairness and Player Welfare at the Forefront

'This decision was not made in favour of or against any particular team, but strictly to uphold the fairness of the sport and the welfare of the players,' Kapoor said, adding that teams reaching the playoff stage 'deserve the best possible conditions to perform to their full potential.'

The announcement was made in the presence of UPCA Media Committee Chairman Mohammad Faheem and UP T20 League Governing Council Member Sanjeev Kumar Singh, along with other senior regional cricket administrators.

Lucknow's Ekana Stadium Steps In

The Ekana Cricket Stadium — a modern, state-of-the-art facility — is considered well-equipped to host high-stakes T20 fixtures without the disruption of weather delays. Tournament management also extended its gratitude to Kanpur's supporters, players, and match officials for their cooperation throughout the city's leg of the competition.

This is not the first time Indian domestic tournaments have had to pivot venues mid-competition due to monsoon conditions, underscoring the logistical challenges organisers face during the August–September window. With the final just days away, all eyes now turn to Lucknow to crown the fourth UP T20 League champion.