Cricket in Kashmir

There is no denying the connection between cricket and Kashmir. Cricket is a sport that is deeply intertwined with the culture and history of Kashmir. The sport has been practised in Kashmir for more than a century and has become an important element of the region’s cultural character. Many individuals associate playing cricket with happy childhood memories or thinking back on the sport’s glory days.

If we go back in time, playing cricket first appeared in J&K during the reign of Maharaja Hari Singh. Cricket enthusiasts then founded local clubs in major cities of J&K. Some colleges, such as SP College, Amar Singh College, GGM Science College, and SPMR College of Commerce, established cricket teams that grew to become the state’s top teams over time. J&K Cricket Association was registered with the Registrar of Societies in 1957, and had its constitution recorded with the society.

Street cricket in J&K has gained popularity even though there were insufficient facilities and sports fields, which compelled youngsters to play cricket on the streets. Almost every significant cricketing talent who has represented and triumphed in cricket began playing the game on the streets, before moving on to play it at official cricket grounds. Now, Kashmir has a well-developed cricket culture, with multiple clubs and teams, as well as specific cricket grounds with facilities. Many outstanding cricket players are from the region, and many of them have gone on to represent their state and even the country at the national level. The Indian Premier League (IPL) 50th match was played between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Sun Risers Hyderabad (SRH). The fourth ball of the final over was bowled by a star player from Jammu and Kashmir Umran Malik, and history was made. Malik bowled the third-fastest ball in IPL history at 157 kph, making it the fastest ball of the season (until Lockie Ferguson hit 157.3 kph in Sunday’s IPL final).

Cricket, whether through fan passion or player talent, serves as a symbol of resilience and optimism for the people of Kashmir, and it will likely continue to do so for many years to come.

Access to the right information is crucial in helping local cricketers reach their full potential and take their game to the next level. Kashmir Champions recognises this and has created an online platform to promote and showcase the skills of local cricketers. Kashmir Champions is a leading online Kashmir related cricket information resource on Facebook and Instagram platforms which seek to promote our local highly talented cricketers among Clubs, Tournament organizers, Team owners, Fans, and audience in J&K and abroad. Thanks to initiatives like Kashmir Champions, the future looks bright for cricket in J&K. Follow Kashmir Champions at:

www.facebook.com/kashmirchampions

www.instagram.com/kashmirchampions