🏏CricJosh
How-To Guides

Best Cricket Academies in Lucknow 2026 (With Fees and Details)

Rahul Sharma 24 March 2026 ~14 min read ~2,750 words
Best cricket academies in Lucknow 2026 — top 10 with fees, coaching staff and facilities

Share this article

Uttar Pradesh has quietly become one of India's most productive cricket states, and Lucknow sits at the centre of that story. Suresh Raina — one of India's most celebrated limited-overs batters — honed his game through the UP cricket ecosystem. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, consistently among the finest swing bowlers in Indian cricket, is the pride of Meerut but a product of the UPCA pipeline that runs through Lucknow. Piyush Chawla built a long and productive career through the same system. The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, now a regular IPL and international venue, has given Lucknow a world-class cricket identity it wears with growing confidence.

For parents and young cricketers in Lucknow in 2026, the city's cricket infrastructure has never been richer. The challenge is cutting through the noise to find an academy that offers genuine coaching quality, structured age-group pathways, and realistic access to the UPCA selection process.

This guide profiles the top 10 cricket academies in Lucknow with honest assessments of fees, facilities, coaching standards, and who each academy is best suited for. All fee figures are estimates — always confirm directly with the academy before enrolling.


How to Choose a Cricket Academy

The decision deserves more thought than most families give it. Here is a framework that works.

Prioritise coaching qualifications, not just playing records. A former UP Ranji player who has completed NCA Level 2 or Level 3 coaching certification is significantly more valuable to a developing player than a first-class cricketer who has never studied coaching methodology. Ask about qualifications directly.

Demand clarity on match opportunities. Technical improvement happens in nets, but cricket intelligence develops only through match play. The best academies in Lucknow will enter students in UPCA junior tournaments, organise inter-academy fixtures, and run internal competitions. If an academy cannot describe its match calendar, that is a warning sign.

Age group structure tells you everything about organisation. A properly structured academy runs separate batches for U10, U12, U14, U16, and U19 players with coaching focus appropriate to each stage. Mixed-age batch coaching is a red flag — it usually means the academy is prioritising volume over development.

Check the UPCA connection. Getting from Lucknow's club cricket to the UPCA's Under-14, Under-16, and Under-19 squads requires navigating the association's district and state trial process. An academy with coaches who are embedded in that system can provide guidance that a well-intentioned but disconnected coach simply cannot.

Visit before you commit. A single morning spent watching a session in progress will tell you more than any brochure. Look at batch sizes, how coaches deliver corrections, and whether students are engaged and improving.


Top 10 Cricket Academies in Lucknow

1. UPCA Cricket Academy — Ekana Stadium

Location: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow

The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association's official academy at Ekana Stadium is the premium destination for serious cricketers in the state. Training on a world-class international venue, under coaches with direct UPCA affiliation, provides both practical advantage and the motivational context that elite environments generate. Entry is by merit trial, and the standard is deliberately high.

Coaching Staff: UPCA-appointed coaches, several with NCA certifications and Ranji Trophy playing backgrounds

Age Groups: U14 to U19 (selection by trial; highly competitive)

Fees: Approximately ₹4,000–₹6,000 per month (estimate; verify with UPCA directly)

Facilities: International-standard turf pitches, professional nets, gym, physiotherapy support, video analysis

Timings: Morning sessions (6:00 AM–9:00 AM)

Best For: Advanced players aged 13 and above who are already performing at district level and targeting UPCA age-group cricket

How to Enquire: Contact UPCA directly or visit the Ekana Stadium administrative office for trial schedules

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


2. Lucknow Cricket Academy

Location: Hazratganj, Central Lucknow

One of the city's most established private academies, Lucknow Cricket Academy has built a consistent record of producing district-level players over more than a decade. The academy's location in central Lucknow makes it accessible from multiple parts of the city and its coaching structure covers all major age groups with genuine attention to individual development.

Coaching Staff: NCA Level 2 certified coaches; some coaches have UP domestic cricket playing experience

Age Groups: U10 to U19 and senior open batches

Fees: Approximately ₹2,500–₹3,500 per month (estimate)

Facilities: Good net infrastructure, practice pitches, equipment provided for junior batches, bowling machine for senior groups

Timings: Morning (6:00 AM–8:30 AM) and evening (4:30 PM–7:00 PM) batches

Best For: Intermediate to advanced players aged 11–19 wanting a well-structured pathway with district cricket exposure

How to Enquire: Visit the academy ground or enquire through local sports networks

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐


3. Hazratganj Cricket Club

Location: Hazratganj, Central Lucknow

Hazratganj Cricket Club is one of Lucknow's oldest active cricket clubs and its training arm reflects decades of cricket culture accumulated in the heart of the city. The club runs a coaching programme alongside its active match calendar, giving students genuine competitive exposure from early in their development.

Coaching Staff: Senior club members with long playing careers in Lucknow's club circuit; some hold BCCI coaching certifications

Age Groups: U12 to senior (open age)

Fees: Approximately ₹2,000–₹3,000 per month (estimate)

Facilities: Club ground, nets, open match area, shared equipment

Timings: Morning and evening batches; weekend match days

Best For: Players aged 12 and above who want to develop within a club cricket culture alongside structured coaching

How to Enquire: Contact the club through local cricket networks or visit during session hours

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐


4. Gomti Nagar Cricket Academy

Location: Gomti Nagar, East Lucknow

Gomti Nagar is Lucknow's most rapidly developed residential corridor, and this academy has grown in parallel with its population. It offers well-structured junior coaching with an emphasis on fundamentals and is particularly popular with families in Lucknow's newer eastern districts.

Coaching Staff: Qualified coaches with RCA/UPCA district-level backgrounds; coaching certifications available on request

Age Groups: U8 to U16 (junior focus)

Fees: Approximately ₹2,000–₹3,000 per month (estimate)

Facilities: Practice nets, concrete and turf surface practice areas, basic equipment provision

Timings: Evening batches (5:00 PM–7:30 PM) on weekdays; morning sessions on weekends

Best For: Beginners and early-intermediate players aged 8–14 in the Gomti Nagar, Vibhuti Khand, and Indira Nagar corridor

How to Enquire: Enquire directly at the ground during session hours

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½


5. Alambagh Cricket Club

Location: Alambagh, South Lucknow

Alambagh Cricket Club serves the southern and south-western parts of Lucknow and has developed a solid junior programme over the past several years. The club's emphasis on match play alongside coaching sessions gives it an edge over academies that restrict students to net practice alone.

Coaching Staff: Experienced club coaches with district cricket backgrounds

Age Groups: U10 to U19

Fees: Approximately ₹1,800–₹2,800 per month (estimate)

Facilities: Ground, nets, practice area, limited bowling machine access

Timings: Morning and evening batches; competitive fixtures on weekends during the season

Best For: Players in the Alambagh, Rajajipuram, and Mahanagar corridor who want coaching combined with active match participation

How to Enquire: Visit the club ground or enquire through local school sports teachers

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½


6. KGMU Cricket Academy

Location: King George's Medical University Campus, Chowk, Old Lucknow

Associated with one of India's most prestigious medical institutions, KGMU Cricket Academy operates from the university's spacious campus and serves both university-affiliated students and the broader public. The campus setting provides good ground space and a disciplined environment.

Coaching Staff: Qualified coaches appointed through the university's sports department

Age Groups: U14 to senior (with some provision for younger players)

Fees: Approximately ₹1,500–₹2,500 per month (estimate; campus facilities tend to be subsidised)

Facilities: University ground, decent net infrastructure, open match area

Timings: Evening sessions (weekdays) and morning sessions (weekends)

Best For: Students and players in the Chowk and Old Lucknow area looking for an affordable, disciplined coaching environment

How to Enquire: Contact KGMU's sports department directly

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐


7. Indira Nagar Cricket Academy

Location: Indira Nagar, North-East Lucknow

Indira Nagar is one of Lucknow's largest and most established residential areas, and its cricket academy has a loyal student base built over many years of consistent coaching. The academy runs structured age-group batches and has produced players who have competed at Lucknow district level.

Coaching Staff: Experienced coaches with UPCA-affiliated backgrounds

Age Groups: U10 to U19

Fees: Approximately ₹2,000–₹3,000 per month (estimate)

Facilities: Nets, practice pitch, adequate ground space, shared equipment for juniors

Timings: Morning (6:00 AM–8:30 AM) and evening (4:30 PM–7:00 PM) batches

Best For: Players in the Indira Nagar, Vikas Nagar, and Sector 25 area wanting structured coaching with a district pathway

How to Enquire: Enquire at the ground during session hours

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐


8. Chinhat Cricket Club

Location: Chinhat, East Lucknow

Located on Lucknow's eastern edge near the industrial and residential Chinhat area, this club has steadily built its coaching programme alongside an active club cricket fixture schedule. It serves a population that previously had limited quality cricket coaching options nearby.

Coaching Staff: Club coaches with local district cricket experience; some hold BCCI Level 1 certifications

Age Groups: U12 to senior

Fees: Approximately ₹1,500–₹2,500 per month (estimate)

Facilities: Ground, basic nets, open practice area

Timings: Evening on weekdays; match days on weekends during season

Best For: Players in the Chinhat, Faizabad Road, and Bakshi Ka Talab area who want a club environment with coaching support

How to Enquire: Visit the club ground during evening session hours

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐


9. Amausi Cricket Academy

Location: Amausi, South-West Lucknow (near Lucknow Airport)

Amausi Cricket Academy serves the south-western residential and commercial belt near the airport and has grown steadily in student numbers as the area has developed. The academy offers good fundamentals coaching for junior players in a zone that was previously underserved by formal cricket coaching.

Coaching Staff: Qualified local coaches with club cricket backgrounds

Age Groups: U8 to U16 (junior focus)

Fees: Approximately ₹1,500–₹2,500 per month (estimate)

Facilities: Open ground, practice nets, basic shared equipment

Timings: Morning and evening batches

Best For: Junior players aged 8–14 in the Amausi, Sarojini Nagar, and Lucknow Cantonment area

How to Enquire: Enquire directly at the ground

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐


10. Old Lucknow Cricket Academy

Location: Old Lucknow (Aminabad/Nakhas area)

Old Lucknow's cricket culture predates the city's modern sporting infrastructure, and this academy draws on that heritage. Operating from the dense urban core of the city, it serves a large population with accessible, affordable coaching that emphasises traditional technique and competitive club cricket values.

Coaching Staff: Senior coaches with deep roots in Lucknow's traditional cricket networks; formal certifications vary

Age Groups: U10 to senior

Fees: Approximately ₹1,200–₹2,000 per month (estimate; one of the more affordable options on this list)

Facilities: Nets, ground space adapted to the urban setting, adequate for junior and intermediate training

Timings: Morning and evening batches

Best For: Players from Old Lucknow and surrounding dense urban areas seeking affordable, culturally rooted cricket coaching

How to Enquire: Enquire through local cricket networks or visit the ground directly

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐


Fees Comparison Table

All figures are estimates. Verify directly with each academy before enrolling.

AcademyLocationEst. Monthly FeeFacilities RatingBest Age Group
UPCA Cricket AcademyEkana Stadium₹4,000–₹6,000⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐U14–U19
Lucknow Cricket AcademyHazratganj₹2,500–₹3,500⭐⭐⭐⭐U10–U19
Hazratganj Cricket ClubHazratganj₹2,000–₹3,000⭐⭐⭐⭐U12–Senior
Gomti Nagar Cricket AcademyGomti Nagar₹2,000–₹3,000⭐⭐⭐U8–U16
Alambagh Cricket ClubAlambagh₹1,800–₹2,800⭐⭐⭐U10–U19
KGMU Cricket AcademyChowk₹1,500–₹2,500⭐⭐⭐U14–Senior
Indira Nagar Cricket AcademyIndira Nagar₹2,000–₹3,000⭐⭐⭐⭐U10–U19
Chinhat Cricket ClubChinhat₹1,500–₹2,500⭐⭐⭐U12–Senior
Amausi Cricket AcademyAmausi₹1,500–₹2,500⭐⭐⭐U8–U16
Old Lucknow Cricket AcademyAminabad₹1,200–₹2,000⭐⭐⭐U10–Senior

Choosing Between Academies: A Parent Guide

If your child is a complete beginner (age 7–11): Look for a local, accessible academy with good junior structure. Gomti Nagar Cricket Academy, Amausi Cricket Academy, and Old Lucknow Cricket Academy all offer affordable entry points with decent fundamentals coaching. The priority at this stage is developing enthusiasm and basic technique — not fast-tracking a career.

If your child is developing seriously (age 12–15): Now the quality of the coaching environment matters significantly. Lucknow Cricket Academy, Indira Nagar Cricket Academy, and Hazratganj Cricket Club all offer structured pathways with district tournament exposure. Confirm that the academy participates in UPCA junior tournaments before committing.

If your child is targeting state cricket (age 15+): The UPCA Cricket Academy at Ekana is the clear benchmark. Entry is competitive and by trial — but that standard is what makes it valuable. For players not yet ready for Ekana, Lucknow Cricket Academy is a strong bridge option with coaches who understand the UPCA pathway.

Budget considerations: The range here spans from ₹1,200 at Old Lucknow Cricket Academy to ₹6,000 at the UPCA Academy. Cost is not a reliable indicator of coaching quality at the lower end of this range — Old Lucknow has produced competitive district players through culture and match play rather than expensive infrastructure.


How to Get Selected for Uttar Pradesh Under-14/16/19

UP cricket's selection structure is administered by the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) and follows a clear district-to-state pathway.

Step 1 — Affiliate with a UPCA-registered club. Your child must represent a club registered with the UPCA. Most academies in this guide either are registered clubs or can guide you to one. Club affiliation is mandatory for tournament participation and selection eligibility.

Step 2 — District cricket is the first filter. Lucknow is one of UP's largest cricket districts. UPCA runs Under-14, Under-16, and Under-19 district tournaments through the season. Consistent performance across a season — not just one or two matches — is what creates a selection record.

Step 3 — UPCA state trial process. After district tournaments, UPCA announces trials for its state age-group squads. These are competitive, open trials observed by UPCA selectors. A coach embedded in the UPCA system can help a student prepare specifically for what selectors are looking for.

Step 4 — Physical fitness is assessed alongside skills. UPCA, aligned with the BCCI national framework, assesses fitness, fielding standard, and athleticism alongside batting and bowling skills. Academies that integrate physical conditioning into their programme have a measurable advantage here.

Step 5 — Consistency over seasons is what creates careers. UP selectors look at multi-season records, not single-match performances. A player who performs consistently across two or three seasons in district cricket is far more likely to be selected than one who has one exceptional match.

For a structured approach to weekly training that builds this kind of sustained performance, see our guide on Cricket Training Schedule for Under-16 Players.


FAQ

What is the best age to start cricket coaching in Lucknow?

Fun-based cricket can begin at age 7–8. Structured technical coaching becomes productive from around age 10–11. Players with state-level ambitions should be in organised coaching by age 12 and competing in district cricket by 13–14. Starting earlier is rarely harmful if the coaching approach is age-appropriate.

How much does cricket coaching cost in Lucknow?

Monthly fees range from approximately ₹1,200 at community-level clubs to ₹6,000 at the UPCA Academy. Most well-structured private academies charge ₹2,000–₹3,500 per month. These figures are estimates — always confirm current fees directly with the academy.

Do academies in Lucknow provide cricket equipment?

Most academies provide shared protective equipment (pads, helmets, gloves) for net sessions, particularly for younger players. Intermediate and advanced players are generally expected to own their own bat. Academies will guide parents on when personal equipment becomes necessary.

How important is it that an academy is UPCA-affiliated?

Affiliation with the UPCA structure is important for any player with state cricket ambitions. It determines eligibility for district and state tournaments. Ask any academy directly whether their students compete in UPCA-sanctioned tournaments and whether coaches have active UPCA connections.

Has Lucknow produced players who made it to the Indian team?

UP as a state has produced several Indian internationals. Lucknow itself is increasingly developing its own pipeline through Ekana's IPL presence (Lucknow Super Giants) and the UPCA's growing infrastructure investment. The pathway is real — but it requires consistent work across multiple seasons of district cricket before state-level recognition.


Fee estimates are based on best available information as of early 2026. Always confirm directly with the academy before enrolling. CricJosh does not have commercial relationships with any academies listed.

Also read: Cricket Training Schedule for Under-16 Players

Share this article

RS

Rahul Sharma

Expert in: How To Guides

Rahul Sharma has played district-level cricket in Mumbai for 8 years and has personally tested more than 50 bats, pads, gloves, and helmets across different price ranges. He joined CricJosh to help Indian club cricketers make smarter equipment choices without overpaying. His reviews are based on real match and net session use, not sponsored samples.

Why trust this review: Rahul has used every product in this review across multiple match and net sessions before writing a word. He buys equipment at retail price and accepts no free samples.