Cricket tournaments held under floodlights are now bringing cheer to thousands of sports enthusiasts in Jammu and Kashmir. There was little development of sports infrastructure in Kashmir after militancy broke out in 1990. But, sports infrastructure is being built in the valley during the past few years.
Just two international cricket matches had been played in Kashmir before the eruption of militancy. The last international cricket match was held in Srinagar’s Sher-e-Kashmir cricket stadium between India and Australia in the autumn of 1986.
As the news of the matches–which were scheduled to be played in the North Kashmir Pattan area under floodlights–went viral on social media, people left the cosy atmosphere at their homes and rushed to the ground.
The event was inaugurated by the chairman of Municipal Committee Pattan, Pritpal Singh Oberoi. After inaugurating the event, he said that sports have a positive and constructive role in our social and psychological development and such events enable our youth to divert their attention towards positive pursuits.
He said that various initiatives are being taken to develop sports infrastructure so that more and more sports activities are promoted and he assured of every possible assistance on the part of the administration.
Over 20,000 spectators who came from every nook and corner of northern Kashmir cheered and encouraged the players during the match being held under floodlights at Pattan. Mohammad Lateef Ganaie, organiser of the Presidents Cup 2022, said that it was a major development in the history of sports in J&K and he hoped they would hold such matches in future.
“In the evening, thousands of spectators come here to watch the match, which has never been seen here before as such events are being held for the first time in our region,” Tabish Ayaz, a young cricketer, said.
Meanwhile, a similar league is being played in the Durhama area of Baramulla district, where 65 cricket teams are competing.