'Four IPL teams for UP': CM Yogi Adityanath cheekily appeals to BCCI; gives strong reason

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has appealed to the BCCI to allocate more IPL teams to the state, emphasising its large population and improving sports infrastructure. Speaking at the UPT20 League closing ceremony, he argued that UP, with its 25 crore population, deserves at least four IPL teams.

CM Yogi Adityanath (Pic credit: CM's X handle)

NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to allot more Indian Premier League (IPL) teams to the state, citing its large population and growing sports infrastructure. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Uttar Pradesh T20 League (UPT20) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Saturday, the Chief Minister made a strong case for expanding IPL representation.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! "Dekhiye, mera maana hai ki jitni bhi humari khiladi hai inko UP ke andar manch milna chahiye. Aur achche achche international khiladi Uttar Pradesh har ek usme me de raha hai [All our athletes should get a platform here in UP. The state is producing good international athletes in many events],” CM Yogi said.

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Pointing to Uttar Pradesh's size and cricketing potential, he added with a smile: "Main toh baar baar BCCI se bhi kahunga ki Uttar Pradesh ke ander itne bade pradesh hai – 25 crore ki abaadi me ek team hai. Kam se kam chaar team Uttar Pradesh se honi chahiye. Uttar Pradesh ko yeh mauka jaroor dena chahiye [I will appeal to the BCCI as the state of UP is so big with a population of 25 crore and has only one IPL team - we should have at least four teams]. " Currently, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) is the only IPL franchise representing the state, introduced in 2022. CM Yogi's call for at least four teams underlines the state's ambition to emerge as a powerhouse in Indian cricket. CM Yogi also encouraged players at the ceremony, stressing that the state government is committed to providing world-class infrastructure. On X (formerly Twitter), the CM highlighted stadium development in Varanasi, Ayodhya and Gorakhpur, alongside the construction of mini-stadiums in every development block and full-fledged stadiums in every district under the Central government's sports policy. “@UPGovt is continuously encouraging emerging players. I have full confidence that with robust infrastructure, the players of the state will perform better in sports and the field of sports. Heartfelt congratulations to all the players and best wishes for a bright future!” CM Yogi wrote. His remarks have sparked discussions among fans and experts about whether the IPL will consider expanding its base in Uttar Pradesh, a state that has already produced several international cricketers.

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