Kanpur Superstars Gear Up for UP T20 League Kickoff

The Kanpur Superstars are gearing up for their inaugural match in the UP T20 League against the Noida Kings on August 15. With a strong squad featuring experienced players like Karn Sharma and Mohammed Amaan, the franchise aims to make a significant impact in the tournament. The action will shift to their home ground, Green Park Stadium, starting August 28, culminating in the playoffs and final on September 6. Franchise owner Ayush Lalwani expresses confidence in the team's balanced composition and highlights the importance of state-level initiatives like the UPCA Speed Hunt in nurturing cricket talent. Read on to learn more about their preparations and squad details.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 9, 2026, 08:29 IST

Kanpur Superstars Set to Compete in UP T20 League

The Kanpur Superstars are all set to embark on their journey in the upcoming UP T20 League, with their first match scheduled for August 15 against the Noida Kings at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

This 24-day cricket festival will see the action transition to the Superstars' home ground, the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur, starting August 28, leading up to the playoffs and the grand finale on September 6, as per the official announcement.

Franchise owner Ayush Lalwani expressed his optimism following a successful player auction, stating that the management effectively executed its main strategy.

"We are thrilled with the outcome of the auction," Lalwani remarked. "Our goal was to create a well-rounded team by addressing all essential areas, and I believe we have accomplished that. We have a solid mix of skilled batters, bowlers, and all-rounders, and we are satisfied with the squad we've built," he added.

Lalwani also highlighted the inclusion of seasoned players like Karn Sharma and Mohammed Amaan in the lineup. "Amaan has previously captained the India Under-19 team, so both players bring invaluable experience and leadership. We trust they will significantly contribute to mentoring younger players and fortifying the team," he noted.

Recognizing the importance of state-level cricket in developing local talent, Lalwani praised the UPCA Speed Hunt, a talent identification program aimed at uncovering fast-bowling prospects throughout Uttar Pradesh.

"The UPCA Speed Hunt is an excellent initiative. It provides emerging players a chance to display their talents and gain recognition," he explained. "The UP T20 League serves as an ideal platform for them to shine, potentially leading to opportunities in the IPL and even representing India. Such initiatives are crucial for the future of cricket in our state," he added.

He further discussed the broader implications of state T20 leagues on the domestic cricket landscape.

"The rise of state leagues has fostered healthy competition among players. While chances in the IPL and national team are limited, these tournaments inspire young athletes to enhance their skills and maintain consistent performance," Lalwani stated. "They understand that a standout season can unlock greater opportunities, which underscores the significance of these leagues," he concluded.

Kanpur Superstars Squad:

Sameer Rizvi, Mohsin Khan, Karn Sharma, Adarsh Singh, Aaqib Khan, Vineet Panwar, Shubham Mishra, Mohd. Amaan, Pankaj Kumar, Shivam Bansal, Ajay Kumar, Yashovardhan Singh, Inzamam Hussain, Priyanshu Pandey, Satyam Sangu, Arjun Kumar Singh, Saubhagya Mishra, Shakti Verma.