The Uttar Pradesh T20 League may return to Lucknow, with the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) considering a change in the venue due to infrastructure and technical concerns at the Green Park Stadium. According to the report of Times of India, the league can now be shifted to Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium.
This possible change comes just weeks after UPCA announced Kanpur as the host of the tournament. During a press conference on 13 May, the association confirmed that the Green Park Stadium would host the fourth edition of the UPT20 league, but the latest developments have put that plan in doubt.
Green Park Stadium faces infrastructure and floodlight concerns ahead of UPT20 league
The UPCA is reconsidering the Green Park Stadium as a venue for the UPT20 league after a technical inspection revealed several infrastructure concerns. With the tournament taking place in August, officials reviewed the stadium facilities to ensure that they met the required standards.
According to The Times of India, UPCA began a detailed assessment after the India-Afghanistan match to evaluate whether the Green Park Stadium is ready to host the tournament.
“Since the conclusion of the India-Afghanistan international match, UPCA officials have been carrying out a comprehensive technical assessment of the playing conditions at the Green Park Stadium in view of the proposed three-week long tournament,” a source said.
The inspection found that the stadium’s floodlights did not meet the lighting standards required for high-quality television broadcasts. According to the report, the current system is below the level required for night matches.
“For a high-quality broadcast the broadcast team requires a minimum of 1,700 lux of illumination, whereas the existing floodlights at Green Park only produce around 1,400 lux.”
Low capacity raises concerns about Green Park Stadium
Apart from the problem of floodlights, Green Park Stadium is also facing concerns regarding its spectator capacity. According to the recent report of the Public Works Department (PWD), only around 14,000 spectators will be allowed in the stadium during the upcoming UPT20 league.
The reduced capacity is significantly less than the stadium’s previous limit and could impact tournament planning. Smaller crowds will spoil the matchday atmosphere and limit the number of fans attending games.
The reduced seating capacity may also affect the ticket revenue of the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association. With the popularity of the league continuing to grow, officials are keen to host the tournament at a venue that can accommodate larger crowds and provide a better overall experience.
The venue of UPT20 league may have to be changed due to rain and drainage problems.
Green Park Stadium also faces the problem of waterlogging during the monsoon season. The venue has faced drainage problems in the past, often causing delays in the resumption of play after heavy rain.
With the UPT20 league taking place in August, the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association is worried that persistent rain in Kanpur could hamper matches throughout the tournament. Poor drainage can cause frequent delays and affect the smooth functioning of the league.
According to the Times of India, these issues have strengthened the case for shifting the tournament to the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. The venue offers modern floodlights, improved drainage and large seating capacity, making it a strong choice to host the competition.
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