Damini Sharma & Manjari Verma
The North News
Chandigarh, March 19
The fourth edition of the Allengers Gully Cricket Tournament 2026 will begin in Chandigarh on 17 April, with organisers saying the event aims to promote grassroots cricket while supporting the government’s anti-drug campaign among young people. The tournament, organised by the UT Cricket Association (UTCA) in collaboration with Chandigarh Police, is expected to feature 288 teams, including 256 boys’ teams and 32 girls’ teams, with around 3,400 players aged between 14 and 19 set to take part.
Officials said the annual event is designed to encourage youth participation in sport and reinforce the objectives of the Nasha Mukta Bharat Abhiyan by steering young people away from substance abuse and petty crime.
The tournament is being supported by the Municipal Corporation, Social Welfare Department, Sports Department, Education Department and the Chandigarh Administration, along with private partners including Tynor. With cricket set to feature in the Los Angeles Olympics, the event has also received support from the Indian Street Premier League and the Abhinav Bindra Foundation.
The opening ceremony is scheduled to take place at Sector 16 Cricket Stadium on 17 April and is expected to be attended by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. The final will be played on 1 May, while the closing ceremony is set for 2 May and is expected to be attended by Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria.
Speaking at a press conference at the Chandigarh Press Club, tournament chairman Sanjay Tandon said matches would be played across 10 venues in the city to ensure wider participation. Registrations will begin on 23 March through all police stations in Chandigarh on a first come, first served basis.
Mr Tandon said the tournament offers young players a competitive platform and could also create opportunities for talented participants to progress to national-level BCCI tournaments. He added that UTCA selectors would monitor performances closely, with outstanding players set to receive mentorship and further support.
The competition will follow a knockout format, with each match consisting of 10 overs per side and played with tennis balls for safety. Weekend exhibition matches featuring intellectuals and prominent citizens are also planned as part of the community outreach effort.
Senior Superintendent of Police Kanwardeep Kaur said such initiatives help channel the energy of young people into constructive activities and can play a role in tackling both drug abuse and petty crime. She said the tournament was intended to identify and nurture cricketing talent from slums, colonies and sectors across the city.
Organisers said live scoring and online updates would be available throughout the tournament through the UTCA website and mobile application.
