UPT20 Season 4 auction: Shivam Chaudhary tops bids at ₹21 lakh
Synopsis
Shivam Chaudhary's ₹21 lakh price tag — four times his base price — set the tone for a fiercely contested UPT20 Season 4 auction in Agra. With the league expanding its footprint across Lucknow and Kanpur and 34 matches scheduled over 24 days, Season 4 is shaping up as the most ambitious edition yet of Uttar Pradesh's flagship T20 competition.
Key Takeaways
Shivam Chaudhary was the top buy in the UPT20 Season 4 auction, signed by Gaur Gorakhpur Lions for ₹21 lakh against a base price of ₹5 lakh .
Lucknow Falcons and Kanpur Superstars were the other franchises involved in the bidding war for Chaudhary.
Shoaib Siddiqui was picked up by Noida Kings for ₹11.25 lakh .
Season 4 begins on 14 August at Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow ; the final is on 6 September in Kanpur .
The tournament features 34 matches over 24 days , including 13 double-header days .
Shivam Chaudhary became the costliest buy in the opening phase of the UPT20 League Season 4 player auction held on 24 July in Agra, fetching ₹21 lakh from Gaur Gorakhpur Lions after a competitive three-way bidding contest. Chaudhary had entered the auction with a base price of just ₹5 lakh, with Lucknow Falcons and Kanpur Superstars both pushing the price higher before Lions secured his services.
Key Buys from the Opening Phase
Beyond Chaudhary, Shoaib Siddiqui was another prominent name to go under the hammer, with Noida Kings acquiring him for ₹11.25 lakh. The spirited bidding across both players signals strong franchise interest in building competitive rosters for the upcoming season.
What the Governing Council Said
Dr. Sanjay Kapoor, Chairman of the Governing Council of the UPT20 League, used the occasion to articulate the league's broader ambitions. 'The UPT20 League has never been just a cricket tournament for us. From the very beginning, our vision has been to create opportunities for talented cricketers across Uttar Pradesh and give them a platform to fulfil their dreams,' he said.
Kapoor added: 'UPT20 is much more than a cricket league. It represents the pride, ambition and aspirations of Uttar Pradesh. We remain committed to providing young cricketers with a world-class platform where they can showcase their talent, grow as professionals and take the next step towards representing the IPL and India.'
Season 4 Schedule and Venues
The fourth edition of the UPT20 League is set to get underway on 14 August, with the opening ceremony and the first phase of matches at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The tournament then moves to Green Park Stadium, Kanpur, which will host the second half, including the playoffs and the final.
Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator are scheduled for 3 September, Qualifier 2 on 4 September, and the final and closing ceremony on 6 September in Kanpur.
Tournament Format
The 24-day tournament will feature 34 matches across 13 double-header days and 8 single-header matchdays. The league, backed by the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA), has grown into one of India's prominent state-level T20 competitions, with its auction intensity this season reflecting rising franchise investment in UP cricket talent.
Point of View
But the real measure will be how many players from this auction actually break into IPL squads over the next two seasons. With 34 matches and dual venues, Season 4 is the league's most operationally complex edition — execution at the ground level will determine whether the expanded format delivers on its promise or dilutes the product.
NationPress
25 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the top buy in the UPT20 Season 4 player auction?
Shivam Chaudhary was the highest-priced player in the opening phase of the UPT20 Season 4 auction, sold to Gaur Gorakhpur Lions for ₹21 lakh. He had entered the auction with a base price of ₹5 lakh.
When does UPT20 League Season 4 begin?
UPT20 League Season 4 begins on 14 August, with the opening ceremony and first phase of matches at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The final is scheduled for 6 September in Kanpur.
Which franchises were involved in bidding for Shivam Chaudhary?
Three franchises — Gaur Gorakhpur Lions, Lucknow Falcons, and Kanpur Superstars — competed for Shivam Chaudhary. Gaur Gorakhpur Lions ultimately won the bidding at ₹21 lakh.
Who is Shoaib Siddiqui and which team bought him?
Shoaib Siddiqui was another notable player in the UPT20 Season 4 opening auction phase, picked up by Noida Kings for ₹11.25 lakh.
How many matches will UPT20 Season 4 feature?
UPT20 Season 4 will feature 34 matches played over 24 days, including 13 double-header days and 8 single-header matchdays, split between Lucknow and Kanpur.
