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

Exciting Developments for UPL 2026

Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], September 14: The Uttarakhand Premier League (UPL) is gearing up for its third season with the unveiling of seven Icon Players, just ahead of the Players' Draft set for September 16, 2026, as per a recent announcement.

This upcoming season is poised to be a pivotal moment for cricket in Uttarakhand, marking the final state-level T20 league before the IPL 2027.

The seven Icon Players selected for UPL 2026 include Akash Madhwal, Jagadeesha Suchith, Kunal Chandela, Avneesh Sudha, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Tejasvi Jaiswal, and Mayank Mishra.

The combination of seasoned players and emerging talent from Uttarakhand is anticipated to enhance the competitiveness and depth of the league's third season.

Kiran Verma, Secretary of the Cricket Association of Uttarakhand (CAU), expressed that the UPL has significantly evolved over its initial two seasons, offering a robust platform for local cricketers. He noted that the introduction of Icon Players and the forthcoming Players' Draft will generate excitement and create pathways for budding cricketers to gain visibility and progress in their careers.

"The Uttarakhand Premier League has made remarkable strides in its first two seasons, establishing itself as a vital platform for state players. The announcement of Icon Players ahead of the third season adds to the excitement and experience of the competition. We believe the Players' Draft will provide another chance for talented cricketers to gain recognition and advance their careers," Kiran stated.

Mahim Verma, former Vice-President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and former Secretary of CAU, remarked, "The Uttarakhand Premier League is crucial in fostering a strong cricketing environment in the state. The third season arrives at an exhilarating time, and the inclusion of these Icon Players will offer invaluable experience and motivation for young cricketers. The Players' Draft on September 16 will be a significant event as teams begin to form their rosters for another competitive season."

Sunil Joshi, Chairperson of the Uttarakhand Premier League, shared, "We are thrilled to announce the Icon Players for the third season of the Uttarakhand Premier League. 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 excel alongside seasoned players. With the Players' Draft on September 16, the anticipation surrounding UPL 2026 is set to escalate further."

Navneet Mishra, Chief Operating Officer of UPL 2026, added, "Season 3 is a significant milestone for the Uttarakhand Premier League. The announcement of the Icon Players signifies the start of an exciting phase leading up to the Players' Draft. We are committed to making UPL 2026 larger and more competitive while prioritizing the development of Uttarakhand's cricketing talent. As the last state league before IPL 2027, this season will offer players a crucial opportunity to make an impression and vie for larger prospects."

With the Players' Draft approaching on September 16, franchises will aim to build their teams around the Icon Players while scouting for the next wave of talent from across the state.

The draft is anticipated to be a key moment as the league continues to solidify its role as a platform for Uttarakhand cricketers to demonstrate their skills in a competitive environment.

The seven Icon Players bring a mix of experience and emerging talent to UPL 2026. Akash Madhwal, who has represented Uttarakhand and made a name for himself in domestic and franchise cricket, adds significant experience to the competition. 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 providing opportunities for the next generation of cricketers from Uttarakhand.