Around 250 young cricketers and their parents staged a protest at Lucknow's Ekana Stadium, demanding that Uttar Pradesh be given three Ranji Trophy teams instead of its existing single team.
The protest was organised under the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Players Association and the Cricket Association of Purvanchal. The protesters argued that Uttar Pradesh's large population and geographical size make it difficult for aspiring cricketers from every region to get equal opportunities through a single state cricket structure.
Protesters seek three cricket associations in Uttar Pradesh
The young cricketers, largely from Purvanchal and central Uttar Pradesh, are demanding the creation of three separate cricket associations. Each association would represent a different region of the state and field its own Ranji Trophy team.
According to Uttar Pradesh Cricket Players Association state president Arvind Singh, a state with a population of around 25 crore requires more than one pathway for young players hoping to enter first-class cricket.
The association has also cited Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's earlier support for the idea of having more than one Ranji team in a large state.
The protesters believe that dividing Uttar Pradesh into three cricketing regions could significantly increase opportunities for talented players across the state.
Concerns over representation in UP T20 League
The protesters' concerns are not limited to the Ranji Trophy.
Arvind Singh also alleged that players from Purvanchal and central Uttar Pradesh are being underrepresented in the ongoing UP T20 League.
According to the association, around 150 players are part of the league's six teams. Of these, only 16 players reportedly come from Purvanchal and central Uttar Pradesh.
In comparison, the association claimed that 89 players are from nine districts in western Uttar Pradesh, while eight players are from Delhi.
The protesters argue that this imbalance highlights the limitations of Uttar Pradesh having a single cricketing structure to represent such a large and diverse population.
Major agitation planned for September
The campaign for three Ranji Trophy teams is expected to intensify in the coming weeks.
The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Players Association has announced plans for a larger agitation in September and appealed to young cricketers from across the state to participate.
The protesters want three separate cricket associations to create clearer pathways for players from different regions and increase the number of opportunities available at the first-class level.
For the young cricketers and their parents who gathered at Ekana Stadium, the demand is ultimately centred on one issue: greater representation and more opportunities.
With hundreds of aspiring players competing for limited places in a single Uttar Pradesh Ranji Trophy team, they believe a three-team structure could open the door for more cricketers to reach the domestic first-class circuit.
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