Lucknow: After successfully hosting a series of high-profile T20 matches, Lucknow’s Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium has now been selected to host international-level four-day matches as part of a multi-format series between India A and Australia A, scheduled for September–October 2025.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has, for the first time, entrusted the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) with hosting responsibilities for a complete bilateral A-team series involving two major cricketing nations. This series is seen as a significant prelude to India’s upcoming tour of Australia later this year, and it offers a platform for emerging players to stake their claim in the national squads.
The series will comprise two four-day matches in Lucknow and three One-Day matches at Green Park Stadium, Kanpur. In total, the tour features three ODIs and five T20s across both cities.
Match Schedule:
Four-Day Matches (Ekana Stadium, Lucknow):
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1st Match: September 16–19
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2nd Match: September 23–26
One-Day Matches (Green Park Stadium, Kanpur):
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1st ODI: September 30
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2nd ODI: October 3
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3rd ODI: October 5
Ekana Stadium’s Rising Profile
Ekana Stadium, which hosted its first international match on November 6, 2018, has since held:
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6 T20 Internationals
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5 matches during the 2023 ODI World Cup
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1 Test match
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22 IPL matches over the past three seasons as the home ground for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
The upcoming four-day encounter between India A and Australia A could serve as a litmus test for Ekana’s readiness to become a regular venue for future Test matches.
Official Statement
Rajeev Shukla, Director, UPCA, said:
“We are fully prepared to host the upcoming matches between India A and Australia A in both Lucknow and Kanpur. Every effort is being made to provide world-class facilities to the players. This series marks a turning point for international cricket in Uttar Pradesh, and we expect to see a rise in the number of international fixtures in the future.”
Cricket fans in Lucknow and Kanpur are eagerly anticipating the action, which promises not only competitive cricket but also an opportunity to witness the next generation of stars in action on home soil.
