The defending UPT20 champions, Kashi Rudras, have announced the launch of the Rudras Cup, the first regional scouting tournament introduced by a UPT20 franchise. The tournament will take place at the JK Loco Railway Stadium in Kanpur on July 7 and 8, 2026.
Rudras Cup follows successful player trials
The announcement follows the franchise's first phase of player trials held at Sigra Stadium in Varanasi, where more than 1,100 aspiring cricketers from across Uttar Pradesh registered to showcase their talent, according to a press release. The overwhelming response highlighted the expanding reach of the Kashi Rudras' grassroots talent identification programme.
Four regional teams to compete
The Rudras Cup will feature four regional teams representing Varanasi, Prayagraj, Jhansi, and Fatehpur. The tournament is designed to provide shortlisted players with another competitive platform to impress the franchise's coaching and scouting staff ahead of the upcoming UPT20 season.
Kashi Rudras Representative, Sukhvinder Singh, said: "The response to our trials has been extremely encouraging and shows the passion young cricketers across Uttar Pradesh have for the game. This newly introduced Rudras Cup is the next step in that journey, giving these players another opportunity to compete and express themselves in a competitive environment."
"We are looking forward to discovering more talented youngsters who can become part of the Kashi Rudras family," Singh added.
Performances to strengthen squad
The performances in the Rudras Cup will play an important role in strengthening the franchise's squad ahead of UPT20's upcoming season. Kashi Rudras are the most successful franchise in UPT20 history, having won the title in Seasons 1 and 3. Beyond their on-field success, the franchise remains committed to strengthening the state's cricketing ecosystem by creating meaningful opportunities for aspiring young cricketers through structured scouting and player development initiatives.
