LUCKNOW, Sept. 7 -- The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association's new stadium being built in Varanasi will be developed as a major cricketing hub in the state and a potential second home for Lucknow Super Giants, BCCI vice-president and UPCA life member, Rajiv Shukla, said on Sunday. As the stadium nears operational readiness, UPCA's focus is to use its facilities to host important domestic fixtures, nurture grassroots talent, and bring IPL action. Once UPCA formally takes over the venue in the coming months, Shukla said it will begin by staging board trophy matches, including junior competitions. "Regular scheduling of under-16 and under-19 fixtures, plus coaching clinics and talent scouting camps, will be central to the grassroots push," he said. While praising the commencement of the fourth edition of the UPT20 League, Shukla said that from the next season, UPCA may expand the number of teams in the UPT20 League. "Currently, we have six teams. If we extend it to eight, it will help UPCA create opportunities for more UP cricketers. We are also thinking of starting a similar league for women from next season," Shukla said on the sidelines of the UPT20 League final here. Besides nurturing talent, UPCA plans to host marquee domestic matches-Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy fixtures - at Varanasi. These events will attract established first-class players to the city, raise the competitive standard and give local fans the chance to watch quality domestic cricket. "The association also intends to use the stadium for zonal and invitational tournaments," he added....