UP Cricketers Protest for Three Ranji Teams

A protest was held at Lucknow's Ekana Stadium on Sunday by 'Gen Z' cricketers and their parents, who are demanding the formation of three Ranji Trophy teams in Uttar Pradesh.

The protest was organized under the aegis of the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Players Association and the Cricket Association of Purvanchal. The cricketers and their parents from Purvanchal and central Uttar Pradesh are seeking equal opportunities for players from these areas.

According to Arvind Singh, the state president of the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Players Association, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has previously advocated for having more than one Ranji team in a vast state like Uttar Pradesh. Singh stated that given Uttar Pradesh's large population of approximately 25 crore, there should be three cricket associations, and consequently, three Ranji teams, in the state.

The protest at the Ekana Stadium was attended by 250 'Gen Z' players and their parents. Singh added that cricketers from Uttar Pradesh are preparing for a major agitation in September to press their demand for three Ranji teams in the state.

Singh also alleged that players from Purvanchal and central Uttar Pradesh are being sidelined in the ongoing Uttar Pradesh T20 League. He pointed out that out of approximately 150 players in the six teams in the league's current season, only 16 are from Purvanchal and central Uttar Pradesh.

The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Players Association has appealed to 'Gen Z' cricketers across the state to participate in large numbers in the upcoming protest to secure their rights and fair opportunities.

The demand for three Ranji teams in Uttar Pradesh is driven by the need for equal representation and opportunities for cricketers from all areas of the state.

The protest highlights the importance of providing a platform for young cricketers to showcase their talent and compete at the highest level.

In conclusion, the protest by 'Gen Z' cricketers at the Ekana Stadium is a significant step towards achieving equal representation and opportunities for cricketers from all areas of Uttar Pradesh. The outcome of this protest and the subsequent agitation in September will be closely watched by the cricket community in the state.