UP T20 League Season 4 kicks off August 14 in Lucknow; Kanpur hosts final
Synopsis
UP T20 League Season 4 breaks new ground with a two-venue format for the first time — Lucknow hosts the group stage from 14 August, while Kanpur's Green Park takes the playoffs and the 6 September final. Defending champions Meerut Mavericks open against Kashi Rudras in what promises to be the league's most expansive edition yet.
Key Takeaways
UP T20 League Season 4 begins on 14 August 2026 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow .
For the first time, the tournament spans two venues — Lucknow for the group stage ( 22 matches ) and Green Park Stadium, Kanpur for the playoffs and final.
Defending champions Meerut Mavericks face Kashi Rudras in the opening match.
The knockout stage runs from 3–4 September (Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2), with the final on 6 September 2026 .
Six franchises compete: Kashi Rudras, Meerut Mavericks, Noida Kings, Kanpur Superstars, Lucknow Falcons, and Gaur Gorakhpur Lions.
The UP T20 League Season 4 is set to get underway on 14 August 2026, with Kashi Rudras squaring off against defending champions Meerut Mavericks in the tournament opener at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. For the first time in the league's four-year history, the competition will be spread across two venues, marking a significant expansion of the tournament's footprint.
Two-Venue Format: A First for the League
The 24-day tournament will be split between Lucknow and Kanpur, concluding with the final on 6 September 2026. The opening phase at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow will feature 22 matches across 13 matchdays, before the action shifts to Green Park Stadium in Kanpur for the remaining 12 matches, including the playoffs and the title decider.
The opening ceremony and first match will be held in Lucknow, while Kanpur will host the closing ceremony and the final — giving both cities a distinct identity within the tournament calendar.
What the Governing Council Said
Sanjay Kapoor, Chairman of the Governing Council of the UP T20 League, described the dual-venue structure as a major milestone. 'The UP T20 League continues to grow with every season, and this year marks a major milestone as the tournament will be played across two venues for the very first time. The opening phase will be hosted in Lucknow before the action moves to Kanpur for the second phase and the playoffs,' he said.
Kapoor added: 'The standard of cricket has improved tremendously over the years, and we are confident that this season will once again provide a great platform for talented young players to showcase their skills alongside experienced campaigners. We wish all the teams the very best for the season and hope the fans enjoy another thrilling edition of the UP T20 League.'
Knockout Stage Schedule
The playoff fixtures will all be staged at Green Park Stadium, Kanpur. Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator are scheduled for 3 September, followed by Qualifier 2 on 4 September. The Season 4 final takes place on 6 September 2026.
Early Fixtures and Opening Weekend
The tournament's first weekend promises a packed schedule. On 15 August, Noida Kings face Kanpur Superstars, while Lucknow Falcons take on Gaur Gorakhpur Lions. The following day, Kashi Rudras return against Kanpur Superstars, and Meerut Mavericks meet Gaur Gorakhpur Lions in the evening fixture.
Action continues through 17 August (Noida Kings vs Lucknow Falcons), 18 August (Kashi Rudras vs Gaur Gorakhpur Lions), and 19 August (Lucknow Falcons vs Meerut Mavericks). A double-header on 20 August sees Gaur Gorakhpur Lions play Noida Kings before Kanpur Superstars take on Kashi Rudras. The Kanpur leg opens on 28 August with Kashi Rudras facing Noida Kings.
What to Watch
With six franchises competing — Kashi Rudras, Meerut Mavericks, Noida Kings, Kanpur Superstars, Lucknow Falcons, and Gaur Gorakhpur Lions — the league continues to serve as a critical developmental platform for Uttar Pradesh cricket ahead of domestic selection cycles. The dual-venue model, if successful, could set a template for further expansion in coming seasons.
Point of View
Or simply spreads logistics thin. If the format works, it signals that state T20 leagues are maturing beyond single-stadium events into proper multi-city properties — a development that could attract larger sponsorships and eventually rival the visibility of established domestic competitions.
NationPress
16 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the UP T20 League Season 4 start?
UP T20 League Season 4 begins on 14 August 2026, with Kashi Rudras taking on defending champions Meerut Mavericks at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The tournament runs for 24 days, concluding on 6 September 2026.
Where will the UP T20 League Season 4 final be held?
The final will be held at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur on 6 September 2026. Kanpur will also host the closing ceremony and all knockout matches, including Qualifier 1, the Eliminator, and Qualifier 2.
Why is the UP T20 League using two venues this season?
Season 4 marks the first time the league is played across two venues — Lucknow and Kanpur — representing a major expansion of the tournament's format. Governing Council Chairman Sanjay Kapoor described it as a milestone in the league's growth.
Which teams are participating in UP T20 League Season 4?
Six franchises are competing: Kashi Rudras, Meerut Mavericks (defending champions), Noida Kings, Kanpur Superstars, Lucknow Falcons, and Gaur Gorakhpur Lions.
How many matches will be played in Lucknow and Kanpur respectively?
Lucknow's Ekana Cricket Stadium will host 22 matches across 13 matchdays in the opening phase. Green Park Stadium in Kanpur will then stage the remaining 12 matches, including all playoff fixtures and the final.
