Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Uttar Pradesh Cricketers Protest for Three Ranji Trophy Teams
Young cricketers and their parents held a protest in Lucknow.
They want Uttar Pradesh to have three Ranji Trophy teams instead of one.
They say this would give more players a fair chance to play.
About 250 people joined the protest.
The protest was organised by two cricket players’ associations.
Arvind Singh said Uttar Pradesh has about 25 crore people and needs more teams.
He also said players from some parts of the state are being left out of the Uttar Pradesh T20 League.
The group plans a larger protest in September.
Around 250 young cricketers and parents protested at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium on Sunday.
The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Players Association and Cricket Association of Purvanchal led the demonstration.
Protesters demanded three Ranji Trophy teams and cricket associations for Uttar Pradesh.
Organiser Arvind Singh said the state’s population of approximately 25 crore justified three teams.
Protesters alleged that players from Purvanchal and central Uttar Pradesh are underrepresented in the Uttar Pradesh T20 League.
- Who
- Around 250 young cricketers and their parents, supported by the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Players Association and Cricket Association of Purvanchal.
- What
- They protested for the creation of three Ranji Trophy teams in Uttar Pradesh and greater representation for players from Purvanchal and central Uttar Pradesh.
- When
- The protest took place on Sunday; organisers said a larger agitation is planned for September.
- Where
- Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
- Why
- Protesters said three teams would provide fairer opportunities and representation for cricketers across the large state.
- Protest attendance
- Approximately 250 cricketers and parents participated.
- Main demand
- Creation of three Ranji Trophy teams in Uttar Pradesh.
- Organisers
- Uttar Pradesh Cricket Players Association and Cricket Association of Purvanchal.
- State population cited
- Approximately 25 crore people.
- League representation claim
- Of about 150 players in six Uttar Pradesh T20 League teams, 16 were said to be from Purvanchal and central Uttar Pradesh.
- Other player representation cited
- The organisers said 89 players came from nine districts of western Uttar Pradesh and eight were from Delhi.
- Planned action
- A major agitation is planned for September.