Uttarakhand Premier League 2026: Icon Players Announced Ahead of Players' Draft

Uttarakhand Premier League Enters Third Season

The Uttarakhand Premier League (UPL) is gearing up for its third season, with the announcement of seven Icon Players made prior to the Players’ Draft set for September 16, 2026. This upcoming season is poised to be a pivotal moment for cricket in Uttarakhand, marking the last state-level T20 league before the IPL 2027.

Icon Players for UPL 2026 Revealed

The seven players designated as Icon Players for UPL 2026 include Akash Madhwal, Jagadeesha Suchith, Kunal Chandela, Avneesh Sudha, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Tejasvi Jaiswal, and Mayank Mishra. Their combination of established talent and emerging players is expected to enhance the competitiveness and depth of the league.

League Officials Discuss Growth and Opportunities

Kiran Verma, Secretary of the Cricket Association of Uttarakhand (CAU), highlighted the significant growth of the UPL over its initial two seasons, emphasizing its role as a vital platform for local players. He expressed optimism that the introduction of Icon Players and the upcoming draft will generate excitement and provide emerging cricketers with opportunities to gain visibility and advance their careers.

Verma stated, "The Uttarakhand Premier League has evolved into a crucial platform for players from our state. The announcement of Icon Players adds to the excitement and experience of the competition. We believe the Players’ Draft will offer talented cricketers a chance to gain recognition and progress in their careers."

Former BCCI Official Praises League's Impact

Mahim Verma, former Vice-President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and ex-Secretary of CAU, remarked, "The Uttarakhand Premier League is instrumental in fostering a robust cricketing environment in the state. The third season arrives at an exciting juncture, and the inclusion of these Icon Players will provide invaluable experience and motivation for young cricketers. The Players’ Draft on September 16 will be a key moment as teams begin to form their rosters for another competitive season."

Chairperson Highlights League's Objectives

Sunil Joshi, Chairperson of the Uttarakhand Premier League, expressed enthusiasm about the announcement of Icon Players for the third season. He noted, "Each of these players brings quality, experience, and a strong connection to Uttarakhand cricket. Our goal has always been to create a platform where local talent can compete, learn, and perform alongside seasoned players. With the Players’ Draft on September 16, the anticipation surrounding UPL 2026 is set to escalate."

Preparing for a Competitive Season

As the Players’ Draft approaches on September 16, franchises will aim to construct their teams around the Icon Players while scouting for emerging talent throughout the state. This draft is anticipated to be a significant event as the league continues to solidify its role as a showcase for Uttarakhand cricketers to demonstrate their skills on a competitive platform.

The seven Icon Players bring a mix of experience and youthful talent to UPL 2026. Akash Madhwal, who has represented Uttarakhand and excelled in domestic and franchise cricket, adds substantial experience. Jagadeesha Suchith contributes extensive domestic and T20 experience, while Kunal Chandela has been a reliable figure in Uttarakhand cricket. Young talents Avneesh Sudha, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Tejasvi Jaiswal, and Mayank Mishra further emphasize the league’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of cricketers from Uttarakhand.