On a vibrant Saturday in Dehradun, the Cricket Association of Uttarakhand (CAU) and SSPARK Sports and Entertainment proudly unveiled the teams that will compete in the inaugural season of the UPL. The ceremony was a grand affair, attended by cricket enthusiasts, dignitaries, and team owners. Mahim Verma, the Secretary of CAU, played a pivotal role in introducing the founding teams and setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating competition.
With both men’s and women’s teams competing, the UPL aims to elevate local talent, foster community spirit, and showcase Uttarakhand’s rich cultural heritage on a grand stage.
Men’s Teams of the UPL
The UPL features five men’s teams, each representing a different region of Uttarakhand. These teams not only embody the competitive spirit of cricket but also reflect the unique cultural identities of their respective regions.
- Dehradun Warriors – Owned by Shailendra Bhadauria
2. Haridwar Spring Elmas – Owned by Fiyajuddin
3. Nainital SG Pipers – Owned by Dr. Rohan Gupta
4. Pithoragarh Hurricane – Owned by Parkash Singh & Krishna Shetty
5. Udham Singh Nagar Indians – Owned by Subhash Arora
Women’s Teams of the UPL
The UPL also features three women’s teams, each with a critical role in promoting women’s sports in Uttarakhand.
- Mussoorie Thunders – Owned by Parkash Singh
2. Nainital SG Pipers – Owned by Dr. Rohan Gupta
3. Pithoragarh Hurricane – Owned by Krishna Shetty
Each UPL team embodies the spirit of its respective city, bringing together the state’s diverse cultures under the banner of cricket.
Prize Money and Rewards
In a significant boost to the league’s appeal, the UPL has announced a substantial prize money pool. The winners of the men’s competition will take home INR 25 lacs, while the champions of the women’s competition will be awarded INR 7 lacs. Runner-ups and outstanding players will also receive generous rewards, including INR 12 lacs for the men’s runner-up and INR 3 lacs for the women’s.
Additionally, the Men’s Player of the Series will be rewarded with INR 1 lac, and the Women’s Player of the Series with INR 25,000. Jai Hind Auto Tech Industries has also come on board to reward these star players with an Electric Bike and Activa, further sweetening the pot.
The UPL Player Draft
The UPL Player Draft, scheduled for 1st September 2024, in Dehradun, is a crucial step in forming the teams. During this event, team owners will select their marquee players, making strategic choices to secure top talent for both the men’s and women’s competitions.
Akash Madhwal, Rajan Kumar, Deepak Dhapola, Aditya Tare and Kunal Chandela. Meanwhile, Ekta Bisht, Mansi Joshi and Neelam Bisht will be the three marquee women’s players available to the Mussoorie Thunders, Nainital SG Pipers and Pithoragarh Hurricane.
The Role of CAU and SSPARK Sports
The Cricket Association of Uttarakhand (CAU) and SSPARK Sports have been instrumental in bringing the UPL to life. Their vision is to not only promote cricket but to elevate the overall sports culture in Uttarakhand. By providing a platform for local talent, they are ensuring that Uttarakhand’s cricketers have the opportunity to shine on a bigger stage.
The UPL is set to kick off on 15th September 2024 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun. The league will feature a total of 16 matches, including 13 for the men’s teams and 3 for the women’s teams, culminating in a grand finale on 22nd September 2024.
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