Latest news with #UPT20League
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Zeeshan eyeing another dominant season
Lucknow: After the mini-auction, players are gearing up for the third edition of the UPT20 League 2025, which is likely to begin in August. Zeeshan Ansari , the highest wicket-taker of the previous edition — a performance that opened doors to the Indian Premier League for him — is all set to shine once again. Zeeshan, who was picked by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for Rs 40 lakh, took 6 wickets in 10 matches in this year's IPL season. Responding to a question about whether he feels any pressure to perform in this season of the UPT20 League, Zeeshan said, "I don't play under pressure or for records. If I keep doing what I've been doing, I believe things will turn out well. My approach is going to be the same, whether it's the IPL or the UPT20 League." Speaking about the UPT20 League, the Lucknow-based leg-spinner said, "In my opinion, it's a huge platform for every player. If you perform well, you will be noticed. Around 10–12 players from Uttar Pradesh have managed to make it to the IPL." Zeeshan further emphasised the importance of fitness in today's competitive cricket. "The main thing is to stay fit throughout the year. I've worked with IPL trainers and have now hired a personal trainer for myself." When asked to compare the IPL with the UPT20 League, Ansari said, "The difference is mainly about pressure. In the UP T20 League, there's less pressure and a smaller audience. But in the IPL, there's a huge crowd, and people expect you to perform. It's all about how well you handle the pressure." "To be honest, I couldn't play to my full potential because it was my debut season. Initially, I wasn't sure if I'd even make it to the playing XI," he added. On playing domestic cricket, Zeeshan said, "Domestic cricket is crucial. Performing in domestic cricket isn't easy. Even if you do well in the IPL and get noticed, taking wickets in the Ranji Trophy shows your true calibre." When asked about his preparations for this season after being the highest wicket-taker in last year's UPT20 League, he said, "My goal is to bowl well and be at the top again," he signed off.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Karn emerges costliest player, roped in by Noida for Rs 17.5L
Lucknow: Indian legbreak googly bowler became the highest paid player in the mini auction of UPT20 league when he was picked by Noida Kings for Rs 17.5 lakh on Wednesday. His base price was Rs 5 lakh. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Six franchises participated in the first mini auction of players for the third edition of UPT20 league. In all, 210 players were registered from UP. The players included those who play for Railways but have domicile in UP. For this, Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) had asked for permission from BCCI to allow inclusion of Railways players who were outside the competitive cricket for 12 months and whose domicile was from UP. Total 10 players from Railways, out of 45, were picked by the franchises through open bid auction. Six teams in aggregate will pay around Rs 2.8 crore to these players. Right arm medium pacer Kartik Tyagi, whose base price was Rs 5 lakh became the second highest-paid player after he was roped in by Meerut Mavericks for Rs 16.25 lakh. Upendra Yadav from Railways became the third highest-paid player who was taken in by Kashi Rudras for Rs 13.5 lakh. Right hand batter Shivam Chaudhary from Railways was roped by Noida Kings for Rs 10.75 lakh. Uvais Ahmad (25), who had batted brilliantly for Meerut Mavericks in the inaugural season, was picked by the same team for Rs 20 lakh against the base price of Rs 2.5 lakh. Besides, batter and wicketkeeper Shoaib Siddique was roped in by Lucknow Flacons for Rs 10 lakh. "The UPT20 League has evolved into a premier platform for showcasing domestic cricketing talent. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now With Season 3, we are witnessing unprecedented enthusiasm from players and franchises alike. The auction is not just a selection process — it's a celebration of opportunity, aspiration, and the future of Uttar Pradesh cricket. I am confident this season will set new benchmarks in professionalism, talent discovery, and fan engagement," said BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla. Chairman, Governing Council of UPT20 league, Devendra Chauhan said, "In the third edition of UP T20 League, we have introduced a new feature that players who are domiciled in Uttar Pradesh and play in the Ranji Trophy for the Railways have been included. There are about 11-12 such players whose domicile is in UP, and they have been permitted by the BCCI. As a result, there was intense bidding which will enhance competition, create rivalry, and generate attraction for UP. " "Players selected through talent hunts conducted by the franchises in various districts and camps were given Rs 1.5 lakh in the last season. Their remuneration has been increased to Rs 2 lakh as these players do not get opportunities elsewhere," he said.
