Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has made a spirited appeal to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), calling for four Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises to represent India’s most populous state. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Uttar Pradesh T20 League at Lucknow’s Ekana Cricket Stadium, the CM said the state’s population of over 25 crore and growing sports infrastructure make it deserving of multiple IPL teams.
“UP is a state of 25 crore people, yet there is only one IPL team here. There should be at least four teams,” Adityanath said, striking a humorous yet pointed note during his address. Currently, the Lucknow Super Giants, introduced in 2022, are the sole IPL franchise representing the state.
State Building Sporting Infrastructure At Scale
Adityanath also used the platform to highlight the government’s efforts to promote sports. He pointed out that the international cricket stadium in Varanasi is set to be completed by the end of the year, while new stadiums are under construction in Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, and Meerut.
Plans are also underway to develop a state sports university, alongside initiatives to ensure every village has a playground, every block a mini-stadium, and every district a full-fledged stadium. The government has also roped in former athletes as coaches to mentor young talent.
A Push For Greater Representation
With its vast population and growing infrastructure, Uttar Pradesh is positioning itself as a cricketing powerhouse. Adityanath’s appeal to the BCCI comes as part of a broader push to put the state firmly on India’s cricket map, giving more opportunities for homegrown players to rise through the ranks and showcase their skills on a global stage.
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