LUCKNOW, July 13 -- A fortnight ago, Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) stirred a controversy when it announced that the upcoming fourth season of the UPT20 League would be shifted from Kanpur to Lucknow. The decision came after an inspection of Kanpur's Green Park revealed a catalogue of problems, including inadequate floodlights, a poor drainage system, a dilapidated C gallery that posed risks to spectators, and outstanding dues reportedly of around Rs.5 crore. The move underscored growing concerns about stadium upkeep and financial management in one of the state's flagship cricket venues. But in a move that surprised many stakeholders, UPCA on Sunday reversed course and confirmed that the fourth season of the UP T20 League will be held across Lucknow and Kanpur - the first time the tournament will be staged in two cities. The announcement follows deliberations covering the tournament schedule, venues, player auction, match operations, talent development programmes and other logistical matters. Officials emphasised that the dual city format balances player and fan convenience while allowing organisers time to address the infrastructure and financial issues at Green Park. "Yes, we have decided to hold the fourth season of the UPT20L both in Lucknow and Kanpur," UPCA secretary, Prem Manohar Gupta, said on Sunday. "The Rs 5 crore issue is being sorted out as we have approached CM Yogi Adityanath Ji. Other issues like inadequate floodlights, poor drainage and fans seating arrangements are being discussed and we are sure to solve all these issues before the start of the event," he said. The tournament is scheduled to run from August 14 to September 6. The 34 matches will be distributed over 13 double headers and eight single match days. It will kick off at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, which will host an opening ceremony as well. The venue will stage the first phase of 22 matches over 13 match days. The second phase will be held at Green Park, which is slated to host 12 matches across 11 match days, culminating in the final and closing ceremony. UPCA officials say the allocation shows the desire to retain Kanpur's historic role in the state's cricket fabric. Green Park was one of India's permanent Test venues. Ahead of the tournament, a mini auction is scheduled in Agra on July 24. There are 45 player slots available across six franchises. The organisers say that talent development will be a priority and the tournament will continue to be a platform for spotting and nurturing state level prospects. UPCA insists that the decision to stage matches in both cities was not taken lightly. Officials say remedial work at Green Park - it includes upgrades to lighting, pitch and outfield repairs, and safety measures for spectator stands - is already underway, backed by a plan to address pending financial dues. The dual venue arrangement provides breathing room to complete upgrades without disrupting the tournament calendar. UPCA sources hinted that out of six franchises, one is yet to clear its dues to the players. "This has happened last season also when the franchise had to clear the dues to the players a day before the auction in Lucknow," said a UPCA insider, adding, "Hopefully, this time too the franchise will clear its dues before July 24 when the auction takes place."...