UPL 2025: Badshah and Neeti Mohan set to headline the celebrations

This week marks the return of the Uttarakhand Premier League (UPL), which will convert the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium into the state’s greatest cricket and cultural extravaganza. Aside from the high-quality cricket action on the pitch this season, India’s finest musical talents are also expected to light up the stage: Bollywood icon Neeti Mohan will captivate spectators at the UPL Cricket Carnival on September 26th, while Badshah, India’s chart-topping critically acclaimed hip-hop singer, will cap off the league with a powerful conclusion on October 5th.

The UPL’s grand celebration begins on September 23rd with a night of spectacular variety—international sensation Elnaaz Norouzi will set the tone for the season, joined by Garhwali mash-up vocal powerhouses Ruhaan Bhardwaj and Karishma Shah, raw Jaunsari folk energy from Ajju Tomar and Ajay Chauhan, and a dazzling dance show by Sana Sultan. These artistes will perform in Dehradun with a dynamic live band, resulting in an explosion of music, colour, and rhythm.

The excitement continues on September 26th, following the women’s final, when Neeti Mohan headlines the UPL Cricket Carnival, mixing Bollywood beauty with sports enthusiasm, with free access for fans who register on the District by Zomato app. The high-octane performances culminate on October 5th, when Badshah takes the spotlight for an epic Closing Ceremony as the Uttarakhand Premier League Season 2 crowns its men’s champions, transforming Dehradun into a destination for fans of both sports and world-class entertainment.

Uttarakhand’s own artists are at the heart of UPL’s cultural programming, sharing the spotlight with India’s most celebrated stars.

More names and unique local acts will be announced as the league brings together the sound, spirit, and story of the state with unmatched fervour.

Earlier this week, UPL Season 2 also unveiled the “UPL Ki Aawaaz” sports presenter contest, a breakthrough career search for gifted sports lovers (aged 18–45) across Uttarakhand. Aspiring presenters can submit a 30-second to 1-minute video for a chance to be shortlisted for live auditions, with winners joining the UPL broadcast team on TV and OTT. Given the high demand, organizers Sspark Sports and Entertainment have extended the deadline to 23rd September 2025. Interested individuals who belong to Uttarakhand can apply through the link provided in UPL’s official social media handles.

Kiran Rautela Verma, Secretary, Cricket Association of Uttarakhand, said, “Uttarakhand Premier League is a platform that celebrates Uttarakhand’s sporting and artistic excellence. This season, by bringing together India’s leading stars and inspiring local performers, we continue to make UPL the state’s most vibrant celebration. We are delighted to see the keenness that even global artists have shown to come and perform in Uttarakhand while supporting high quality cricket. With the women’s tournament getting underway this Tuesday, we are looking forward to crowds gathering in large numbers to motivate our players on the field.”

Rajeev Khanna, Founder, Sspark Sports and Entertainment, added, “UPL is the stage where the dreams of Uttarakhand’s youth and artists meet the excitement of world-class cricket—making every moment and performance truly unforgettable. We are in the process of finalising one of the best artists line-ups in any sports competitions in the country led by globally recognised performers like Badshah and Neeti Mohan. It is also an opportunity for us to provide a platform to not just the state’s cricketers but also the artists and performers from Uttarakhand who have been doing well.”