Yuzvendra Chahal, Riyan Parag, and other India stars to feature in new league before IPL
Published - 24 Jan 2025, 05:58 PM | Updated - 24 Jan 2025, 11:37 PM
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The Shani’s Trophy is all set to thrill the cricket fans next month, with marquee Indian players like Yuzvendra Chahal, Riyan Parag, and Rahul Tewatia confirmed to participate in the unique format of the tournament.
The tournament will be hosted by the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA), the Cricket Association of Lucknow, and Divya Future Sports. The Shani’s Trophy will offer the fans a unique experience of watching retired cricket legends, current Ranji Trophy players, and talented state-level cricketers in action together.
Yuzvendra Chahal, Riyan Parag, and Rahul Tewatia set to play in Shani's Trophy
This competition is scheduled to take place in Lucknow. Apart from the former Rajasthan Royals’ teammates Yuzvendra Chahal, Riyan Parag, and Rahul Tewatia, Tamil Nadu's rising star B Sai Sudharsan and veteran all-rounder Jayant Yadav will also take part in this thrilling Shani’s Trophy, according to the organizers.
The Shani’s Trophy will be played in an exciting 25-over format, with 10 teams competing in high-stakes matches. Fans can enjoy two matches each day—one in the morning and another in the afternoon or evening. Recently, Indian chief selector Chetan Sharma has been named the brand ambassador of the Shani Trophy in order to attract more crowds.
The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association and the Cricket Association of Lucknow have officially approved this event, as stated in a letter to Mr. Sumit Shukla, who is president of the Shani Trophy and managing director of Divya Future Sports. Partnering with Divya Future Sports, UPCA’s goal is to create a top-quality cricket tournament that blends tradition with innovation.
We are thrilled to bring this unique format to life: Sumit Shukla
Sumit Shukla stated in an official statement (as quoted by News18): “We are thrilled to bring this unique format to life in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) and the Cricket Association of Lucknow (CAL). With the backing of UPCA and CAL, along with participation from some of the finest cricketers, we aim to deliver an unforgettable cricketing experience for fans.”
Notably, Yuzvendra Chahal and Riyan Parag will not be seen together in pink for the Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming IPL 2025, as the star Indian leg-spinner has joined the Punjab Kings (PBKS) for the next season. Chahal will play under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy in the IPL 2025.
Chahal last played for India in 2023, but he was part of India’s 2024 T20 World Cup-winning squad. But he didn’t get a single game in the tournament. However, the leg-spinner has been regular in the IPL, where he has taken 205 wickets in 160 matches so far. Chahal and Dhanashree married in December 2020.
Yuzvendra Chahal in headlines for his personal life
However, Yuzvendra Chahal is currently in the news for allegedly divorcing Dhanashree Verma. Speculation about a possible separation started after a series of cryptic social media posts by the couple.
Adding to the buzz, Chahal's latest Instagram story—a blurred image of a video call—has sparked curiosity among fans. This mysterious post has led to questions about his relationship status.
