Chandigarh, March 19, 2026: The UT Cricket Association (UTCA) in collaboration with Chandigarh Police, has officially announced the launch of the fourth edition of the Allengers Gully Cricket Tournament 2026, scheduled to commence on April 17, 2026.
The annual tournament aims to ignite a passion for cricket among the youth of Chandigarh while reinforcing the objectives of the Nasha Mukta Bharat Abhiyan (Drug-Free India Movement) by steering young individuals away from substance abuse and petty criminal activities.
This year, 288 teams (boys – 256 & girls – 32 teams) comprising approximately 3400 young cricketers in the age group of 14 to 19 years are expected to participate and showcase their talent. The initiative is being supported by the Municipal Corporation, Social Welfare Department, Sports Department, Education Department, Chandigarh Administration along with Tynor and other key stakeholders.
The opening ceremony is expected to be graced by Mansukh Mandavia, Union Sports Minister, Govt of India who will inaugurate the tournament at the Sector 16 Cricket Stadium on April 17 while the finals will be played on May 1. The closing ceremony is scheduled for May 2 to be graced by His Excellency, the Governor of Punjab and UT Administrator – Gulab Chand Kataria for the felicitation of winners, runners-up and outstanding players from both categories.
Addressing a press conference at the Chandigarh Press Club, Sanjay Tandon, Chairman, Gully Cricket Tournament who is also the Founder President of UTCA and Governing Council Member (WPL, BCCI), stated that matches will be played across ten venues in the city to ensure accessibility for participants. Registrations are being conducted through all police stations in Chandigarh on the basis of first come, first served as the opening date is set for March 23, 2026. He emphasized that the tournament not only provides a competitive platform but also opens pathways for talented players to represent Chandigarh in national-level BCCI tournaments. He added that UTCA selectors will closely monitor performances, and outstanding players will receive mentorship and further opportunities. The Indian Street Premier League has also committed to selecting the top 25 standout players from the tournament following the completion of its trials. Meanwhile, the Abhinav Bindra Foundation has extended its support by felicitating both the winning and runner-up teams.
The tournament will follow a knockout format with each match consisting of ten overs per side and played using tennis balls to ensure player safety. To further engage the community, exhibition matches featuring intellectuals and prominent citizens will be organized on weekends.
Representing the Chandigarh Police, KM Pariyanka (IPS), SP, City , underlined the vital role of youth in shaping society. She noted that such initiatives effectively channelize the energy of young individuals into constructive activities, thereby helping curb crime and drug abuse. She highlighted that the tournament is a unique initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing cricketing talent from across slums, colonies, and sectors of the city.
Live and online scoring will be available throughout the tournament via the UTCA website and mobile application.
Among those present on the occasion were Hari Singh Khurana, Secretary, Alok Krishan, Treasurer, Ravinder SIngh Billa, Co-Chairman, Tournament, Davinder Sharma, CEO, RS Kanwar, MD, Allengers, along with nodal officers from the Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh Police and Chandigarh Administration.
