Teams Named After Eight Rivers of Uttar Pradesh
Lucknow: The Ayodhya Premier League (APL) Organising Committee and the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association have announced the appointment of Piyush Singh Chauhan, Vice Chairman of SR Group of Institutions, as the Vice Chairman of Ayodhya Premier League (APL).
Addressing the media, the committee shared that the league will commence at B.R. Ambedkar Stadium, Ayodhya. The APL will feature eight teams, each comprising around 30 players. All matches will follow the T-20 format.
Highlighting the unique concept of the league, Mr. Chauhan said that all eight teams are named after the rivers of Uttar Pradesh — symbolising the state’s cultural and natural heritage. The teams include: Gomti Thunders, Ganga Warriors, Hidden Titans, Manorama Marbles, Saryu Smashers, Yamuna Super Kings, Chambal Chargers, and Betwa Blasters.
He added that notable players such as Gyanendra Pandey and Akshdeep Nath, who have represented India internationally, are also part of the league. “It is a matter of pride that for the first time, under the supervision of the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association, the District Cricket Association of Ayodhya is organising a professional cricket league in the holy city of Ayodhya Dham, the land of Maryada Purushottam Lord Ram,” he said.
Chauhan further emphasized that the key objective of the Ayodhya Premier League is to provide a platform for emerging cricket talent across the state who are yet to receive opportunities to showcase their skills. “This league will nurture young players and help shape the future of cricket in Uttar Pradesh,” he added.
APL Director Baldev Srivastava expressed his happiness over Chauhan’s appointment, stating, “It is our privilege to have him as Vice Chairman. His exceptional leadership, visionary approach, and commitment to education, youth empowerment, and social development inspired the organising committee to unanimously select him for this role.”
He further shared that APL matches will be broadcast live on DD Sports and Prasar Bharati, and all matches will be day matches. Around 250 players will participate in the tournament. The winning team will receive a cash prize of ₹11 lakh and a trophy, while the runner-up will be awarded ₹5.5 lakh.
Srivastava also mentioned that the presence of Gyanendra Pandey as a mentor has been extremely beneficial for the league’s development. Additionally, players will conduct practice sessions at SR Institute’s ground in Lucknow.
The organisers acknowledged the vital role played by the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association and the State Government in supporting and shaping the future of the Ayodhya Premier League, which aims to become a major sporting movement fostering youth talent and strengthening the cricket ecosystem in the state.
