Lucknow, Aug. 13 -- Two-time UPT20 League champions Kashi Rudras will begin their title defence against Meerut Mavericks on Friday in the opening match of the 2026 season at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

The opening fixture brings back a familiar contest for Kashi Rudras. The two sides met in last season's final, with Kashi producing a dominant performance to beat Meerut Mavericks by eight wickets and claim their second UPT20 title, according to a press release.

Rudras set the tone last season, winning seven of their 10 league matches, including their first six, before beating Mavericks in Qualifier 1 and the final.

Captain Karan Sharma led the league's run charts with 519 runs and finished as the claimed his 2nd Orange Cap in ...