SRINAGAR: In a major boost to cricket in Jammu and Kashmir, the Epic Victory Cricket League (EVCL), a franchise-based T20 tournament, was officially launched today in Srinagar by former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan. The inaugural edition of the tournament is scheduled to take place in September this year.
Billed as a unique blend of homegrown and international talent, the EVCL will feature a player pool of over 200 cricketers. This pool will be finalised through a series of selection trials spanning 45 days across 20 cities, beginning on June 15 in Srinagar and concluding on July 31 in Baraut, Uttar Pradesh.
Speaking at the launch, Irfan Pathan said, “Epic Victory Cricket League is looking forward to bringing cricket to Kashmir once again and showcasing the talent that this beautiful place has to offer. We are very excited to also be playing in Jammu and Kashmir for the inaugural season. This is a huge opportunity for the people of Kashmir to come to the stadium and watch live cricketing action. I urge all cricketers to register and join the EVCL for the opportunity of a lifetime.”
The tournament aims to include an equal mix of local Indian players, international stars, and ex-Ranji Trophy players from the region of Jammu and Kashmir. The trials are open to male cricketers between the ages of 17 and 39. Selection will be overseen by a committee comprising members from state cricketing associations and the EVCL apex council.
League owner Vikas Dhaka underlined the broader mission of the EVCL, stating, “This isn’t just about another competition. It’s about providing a stage to the people who have missed the opportunity for many reasons and showcasing the incredible depth of cricket talent in India. We’re going to see some stunning matches, unexpected heroes rise, and inspire a whole new generation of players around the world.”
In a first for Indian franchise cricket, the EVCL will be broadcast on a major OTT platform in over seven languages, including English, Hindi, and for the first time ever, Kashmiri and Dogri. Organisers say this multilingual approach is aimed at ensuring that cricket fans from every part of the region can enjoy the matches in their native language. Trial Schedule includes two matches in Jammu and Kashmir – one in
Srinagar (June 15) and Jammu (June 20).
