In the meantime, Yogi Adityanath, the current chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, has made an open request to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to assign at least four distinct UP teams, split up into various regions, in an effort to promote cricket in the state and give a populous state with more than 25 crore inhabitants more opportunities. Yogi thinks the board will be able to uncover undiscovered talents with greater state representation.
In the Indian domestic cricket scene, Uttar Pradesh has consistently been one of the more formidable teams. Titles and prizes, however, have become increasingly scarce. Their only Ranji Trophy victory in the tournament’s history was during the 2005–06 season, when they were captained by Mohammad Kaif. That victory was a few decades ago.
“I think our performers need to be given a platform in Uttar Pradesh. In every sport, the state produces top-notch international athletes. I want the BCCI to understand that there is only one team in this vast state of 25 crore people.
On the sidelines of the current UPT20 League, Yogi Adityanath stated, “Uttar Pradesh deserves this opportunity and should have at least four teams in domestic cricket.”
In the 2015–16 season of the top domestic 20-over competition, UP won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in addition to a single Ranji trophy. A formidable Baroda lineup, with players like Hardik Pandya, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Deepak Hooda, and Munaf Patel, had been routed by the Suresh Raina-led club.
In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, a one-day domestic competition, UP has yet to claim a victory. In the current domestic season of 2025–26, they will be keen to leave their mark. They begin their campaign with the Ranji Trophy, playing Andhra in a Group A match on October 15.
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