Uttarakhand Premier League Kicks Off with Exciting T20 Matches

The Uttarakhand Premier League is set to commence its third season in Dehradun, featuring a mix of established and emerging cricket talent. The tournament will kick off with women's matches, followed by men's competitions, and a grand opening ceremony headlined by Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor. With a focus on showcasing local talent and cultural heritage, this year's UPL promises to deliver exciting cricket and memorable moments for fans. Don't miss the action from September 21 to October 1 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 21, 2026, 00:02 IST

Uttarakhand Premier League Launches in Dehradun

Dehradun (Uttarakhand) is set to host the third season of the Uttarakhand Premier League (UPL), commencing at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Raipur on Monday.

This 11-day event will showcase a blend of seasoned players and rising stars from the state, starting with the women's matches on Monday, followed by the men's tournament beginning on September 22, as per the UPL's announcement.

The inaugural day will feature two women's matches: Pithoragarh Hurricanes will compete against Dehradun Warriors at 11:00 AM, and later, Bageshwar Aerial will face Mussoorie Queens at 3:00 PM.

After the matches, a spectacular opening ceremony will take place, featuring Bollywood star Vaani Kapoor. The event will also highlight Uttarakhand's rich musical heritage, with performances from local artists including Karishma Shah, Ruhaan Bhardwaj, Inder Arya, Manju Nautiyal, Ajju Tomar, and Ajay Chauhan.

Kiran Verma, Secretary of the Cricket Association of Uttarakhand (CAU), expressed, “The UPL has evolved into a vital platform for cricket in Uttarakhand, and this third edition marks another milestone. We are thrilled that the opening festivities will merge cricket with the state’s artistic talents, creating a celebration that embodies Uttarakhand’s spirit.”

Mahim Verma, former Vice-President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and ex-Secretary of CAU, noted, “The UPL has provided a structured T20 environment for Uttarakhand’s cricketers, offering them essential exposure. The opening ceremony also allows us to honor the state’s cultural richness. We anticipate this edition will create unforgettable moments for both players and fans.”

Sunil Joshi, Chairperson of the Uttarakhand Premier League, remarked, “This third edition signifies another important chapter for the UPL. The combination of experienced and young players promises competitive matches, while both women's and men's tournaments will offer players a chance to shine. We are eager to kick off the tournament and expect a strong turnout from cricket enthusiasts across the state.”

The women's tournament will include teams like Mussoorie Queens, Bageshwar Aerial, Pithoragarh Hurricanes, and Dehradun Warriors, with notable players such as Nandini Kashyap, Prema Rawat, Raghavi Bisht, and Sweta Verma acting as icons, similar to international formats.

The men's tournament will commence on September 22, featuring Haridwar Elmas against Nainital Tigers in the first match at 7:30 PM. The seven teams in the men's league also include Pithoragarh Hurricanes, USN Indians, Rishikesh River Kings, Tehri Titans, and Dehradun Warriors.

The women's final is set for September 24, while the men's matches will progress through knockout rounds, culminating in the UPL 2026 Final on October 1, with the men's Eliminator scheduled for September 30.

With a full day dedicated to women's cricket followed by an evening filled with music and festivities, the opening day is poised to establish an exciting atmosphere for the third edition of the Uttarakhand Premier League, running from September 21 to October 1 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun.