The University of Canberra (UC) has concluded the third edition of its UC Cricket Challenge in India, bringing together 24 Under-16 school teams and more than 300 young cricketers and support staff for a weeklong tournament in Bengaluru.
Held from 30 August to 4 September 2026 at Jain International Residential School, the tournament adopted a T20 format for the first time. It featured 16 boys’ teams and eight girls’ teams from Bengaluru and other parts of India, including Ajmer, Kolar, Coimbatore and Indore. Live-streamed matches attracted an estimated online audience of more than 30,000 viewers.
Delivered in partnership with Cricket ACT, the tournament also featured coaching masterclasses, talent development activities and information sessions on higher education opportunities in Australia.
Professor The Honourable Bill Shorten, Vice-Chancellor and President of UC, said the tournament provides opportunities for young people to develop sporting ambitions alongside education.
The next stage of the UC Cup will take place in Canberra from 30 September to 2 October 2026, where Indian teams will compete against Australian teams.