Archive · 25 Aug 2026
UP Cricketers Demand Three Ranji Teams for Fair Representation
Young cricketers and their parents in Uttar Pradesh want the state to have three Ranji Trophy teams instead of one.
They say this would give more players a chance to compete.
Their protest took place at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.
The players came mainly from Purvanchal and central Uttar Pradesh.
The organizers say Uttar Pradesh is a very large state with about 25 crore people.
They believe one team cannot provide enough opportunities for everyone.
They also say some regions were left out of the Uttar Pradesh T20 League.
Another, larger protest is planned for September.
Around 250 cricketers and parents protested at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium for three Uttar Pradesh Ranji Trophy teams.
The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Players Association says multiple teams would improve opportunities for players across the state.
Organizers specifically cited representation for cricketers from Purvanchal and central Uttar Pradesh.
The association alleged that those regions are underrepresented in the ongoing Uttar Pradesh T20 League.
A larger agitation is planned in September to press the demand.
- Who
- About 250 young cricketers and their parents, supported by the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Players Association and the Cricket Association of Purvanchal.
- What
- They demanded the creation of three Ranji Trophy teams for Uttar Pradesh.
- When
- The protest took place on Sunday, with a larger agitation planned for September.
- Where
- Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
- Why
- Organizers say three teams would provide fairer opportunities and representation for players across the state, particularly from Purvanchal and central Uttar Pradesh.
- Demand
- Three Ranji Trophy teams for Uttar Pradesh
- Protesters
- Approximately 250 cricketers and parents
- Location
- Ekana Stadium, Lucknow
- State population cited
- Approximately 25 crore
- T20 League representation alleged
- 16 players from Purvanchal and central Uttar Pradesh, compared with 89 from nine western Uttar Pradesh districts and eight from Delhi
- Next action
- A major agitation is planned for September