Lucknow, August 17, 2025 – The third season of the UP T20 League began with a bang at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium, where a dazzling opening ceremony set the stage for three weeks of thrilling cricket. Thousands of fans packed the stands, buzzing with excitement as Bollywood stars Tamannaah Bhatia, Disha Patani, Jahnavi Kapoor, Sidharth Malhotra, and singer Sunidhi Chauhan lit up the evening with high-energy performances. The event, blending cricket and entertainment, marked the start of a tournament that’s quickly becoming a pride of Uttar Pradesh.
The ceremony kicked off at 5 PM, with Tamannaah and Disha stealing the show with their dance moves. Tamannaah grooved to a mix of Bollywood and South Indian hits, while Disha charmed the crowd with her energetic performance to popular tracks. Sunidhi Chauhan’s soulful voice had everyone swaying, as she belted out her chart-topping songs, creating an electric vibe. Adding to the glamour, actors Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, stars of the upcoming film Param Sundari, made a special appearance, waving to fans and cheering for the teams.
However, the evening wasn’t without hiccups. Some fans took to social media to complain about heavy traffic on Shaheed Path, which delayed their arrival. Others grumbled about poor crowd management, saying only VIPs got the best views of the performances. “We paid for tickets, but it felt like the show was just for the elite,” posted one user on X. Despite these issues, the mood stayed festive, with colorful lights and fireworks lighting up the stadium.
UP T-20 League Chairman and UPCA Director Dr. D.S. Chauhan called on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday to present the league’s progress and future roadmap. He highlighted that the tournament has set a milestone in discovering fresh cricketing talent and has helped several young players gain recognition at the national stage.
The Chief Minister lauded the league’s efforts in nurturing sports culture and creating platforms for youth, particularly those from rural regions. He also conveyed his best wishes for the upcoming season, appreciating its contribution to shaping the next generation of cricketers.
Organized by the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA), the tournament features six teams, Meerut Mavericks, Kanpur Superstars, Kashi Rudras, Gorakhpur Lions, Noida Super Kings, and Lucknow Falcons, battling it out in 34 matches until September 6. The opening match saw Meerut Mavericks, last year’s champions, take on Kanpur Superstars at 7:30 PM, setting the tone for a competitive season.
The league has grown into a cultural event, drawing families and young fans with its mix of sports and entertainment. UPCA Chairman Dr. DS Chauhan said the goal is to nurture local talent while giving fans a memorable experience. “We want every match to feel like a festival,” he said. Tickets for the ceremony and matches, priced between ₹500 and ₹1200, were available on BookMyShow, though league games are free to watch. Fans can also catch the action live on Sony Sports 3 and Sony Liv.
This year’s event comes with some controversy. Star bowler Yash Dayal pulled out of the tournament after facing serious allegations, leaving fans curious about how Gorakhpur Lions will perform without him. Still, the focus remains on the young cricketers ready to shine. With stars like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rinku Singh in the lineup, the league promises exciting moments.
As the night ended, the energy at Ekana Stadium was undeniable. From Bollywood beats to the roar of the crowd, the UP T20 League 2025 kicked off in style, proving it’s more than just cricket, it’s a celebration of sport and spirit in Uttar Pradesh.
