The Uttarakhand Premier League (UPL) will commence its third season with the announcement of seven Icon Players prior to the Players’ Draft on September 16, 2026.
The league, which serves as the final state-level T20 competition before the Indian Premier League 2027 season, aims to further enhance Uttarakhand cricket by combining established performers with emerging local talent.
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The seven Icon Players for UPL 2026 are Akash Madhwal, Jagadeesha Suchith, Kunal Chandela, Avneesh Sudha, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Tejasvi Jaiswal and Mayank Mishra. Their involvement is expected to increase competitiveness and provide valuable experience in the upcoming season.
Kiran Verma, Secretary of the Cricket Association
Kiran Verma, Secretary of the Cricket Association of Uttarakhand (CAU), stated, “The Uttarakhand Premier League has grown significantly over the first two seasons and has become an important platform for players from the state. The announcement of the Icon Players ahead of the third season adds further excitement and experience to the competition. We are confident that the Players’ Draft will provide another opportunity for talented cricketers to earn recognition and take the next step in their careers.”
Mahim Verma, Former Vice-President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Former Secretary of CAU, said, “The Uttarakhand Premier League is playing an important role in creating a strong cricketing ecosystem in the state. The third season comes at an exciting time, and the inclusion of these Icon Players will bring valuable experience and inspiration for young cricketers. The Players’ Draft on September 16 will be a crucial moment as teams begin shaping their squads for another competitive season.”
Sunil Joshi, Chairperson of the Uttarakhand Premier League, commented, “We are delighted to announce the Icon Players for the third season of the Uttarakhand Premier League. Each of these players brings quality, experience and a strong connection with Uttarakhand cricket. Our objective has always been to create a platform where local talent can compete, learn and perform alongside experienced players. With the Players’ Draft on September 16, the excitement around UPL 2026 is now set to reach another level.”
Navneet Mishra, Chief Operating Officer of UPL 2026,
Navneet Mishra, Chief Operating Officer of UPL 2026, added, “Season 3 is an important milestone for the Uttarakhand Premier League. The announcement of the Icon Players marks the beginning of an exciting phase leading into the Players’ Draft. We are working towards making UPL 2026 bigger and more competitive while keeping the development of Uttarakhand’s cricketing talent at the heart of the tournament. Being the final state league before IPL 2027, this season will provide players with an important opportunity to make an impression and stake their claim for bigger opportunities.”
The Players’ Draft scheduled for September 16 will see franchises build their squads around the Icon Players while identifying emerging talent from across the state. The draft is expected to be a significant event as the league continues to establish itself as a key platform for Uttarakhand cricketers to showcase their skills.
The seven Icon Players represent a blend of experience and youth. Akash Madhwal, a distinguished representative of Uttarakhand with experience at the highest domestic and franchise cricket levels, adds considerable expertise. Jagadeesha Suchith brings extensive domestic and T20 experience, while Kunal Chandela has been a consistent performer in Uttarakhand cricket.
Emerging talents Avneesh Sudha, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Tejasvi Jaiswal and Mayank Mishra exemplify the league’s focus on nurturing the next generation of cricketers from Uttarakhand.
Source: thenewsmill.com
