by Aiman Fayaz
SRINAGAR: The Bakshi Stadium in the heart of Srinagar buzzed with excitement as thousands of cricket fans filled the stands for the Legends League Cricket (LLC) tournament. However, the atmosphere shifted to silence on Wednesday as the series wrapped up its Kashmir leg.
This marked a key moment for a venue traditionally used for football, now transformed to host major cricket events. While the initial aim was to bring the stadium up to FIFA standards, it was ultimately upgraded to accommodate over 30,000 spectators, establishing it as a prime venue for large-scale events like the LLC. Years of anticipation and renovation culminated in this sporting spectacle.
The LLC tournament, which started on October 9, attracted massive crowds eager to witness international cricket stars in action. The matches featured a star-studded lineup, including Dinesh Karthik, Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Chris Gayle, Hashim Amla, and Martin Guptill, among others. These big names brought a wave of excitement to the valley, and for many Kashmiris, seeing such stars live was a dream come true. A total of 18 players from across the globe participated in the tournament, creating a diverse and competitive atmosphere that Kashmir had not seen in decades. Teams such as India Capitals, Gujarat Giants, Konark Suryas, Manipal Tigers, Southern Superstars, and Urban Risers Hyderabad competed in seven thrilling matches. The tournament culminated in a nail-biting final on October 16, where the Southern Superstars defeated Konark Suryas Odisha in an intense Super Over, leaving the fans in awe of the spectacle they had witnessed.
Cricket’s Complicated History in Kashmir
Cricket has long held a special place in the hearts of Kashmiris, but the region’s political instability has severely impacted the development of the sport over the years. The last international cricket match played in Kashmir was a One Day International (ODI) between India and Australia in September 1986, a match that India lost. Before that, the first international match hosted in the valley was in October 1983, when India faced the West Indies. However, the game was marred by unrest, as spectators dug up the pitch and raised slogans against the host team. These disruptions and the subsequent insurgency in the 1990s dealt a severe blow to cricket in the valley, leading to a decades-long hiatus of major cricketing events in the region.
Kashmir’s political landscape over the past few decades has seen numerous highs and lows, and the impact on sports has been profound. The insurgency of the 1990s saw not only a decrease in cricket but also a general decline in sporting culture in the region. With ongoing tensions and instability, organising large events like international cricket matches became nearly impossible. The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which removed the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, brought about further uncertainty. However, despite these challenges, the people of Kashmir have always maintained their love for the sport.
Cricket is not just a game in Kashmir; it is a form of cultural expression and escapism. For decades, local cricket tournaments have been a staple of life in the valley, with matches often drawing crowds from neighbouring areas. Even when larger international matches were absent, local matches continued to thrive. Kashmiri boys would set up games on every available patch of land, and the sport became an integral part of life in the valley. Local players often participated in tournaments that offered prize money, with some matches even involving betting that reached into the lakhs of rupees. Despite the political and social turmoil, cricket managed to survive as a cornerstone of Kashmir’s popular culture.
LLC: A Symbol of Revival
Nuzhat Gul, Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, remarked that the LLC matches were “a long-awaited dream fulfilled.” Her sentiments capture the essence of what this tournament means for Kashmiris – a long-overdue chance to be part of something bigger, something that connects them with the rest of the cricket-loving world.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his delight that such a high-profile cricket event had returned to the valley after 36 long years. He praised the efforts of the local administration, highlighting the peace initiatives over the last few years that have made it possible for such events to take place. The LLC, he said, is a testament to the changing landscape of the valley. He also stressed the importance of sports in shaping the future of the region, pointing out that events like the LLC can inspire the youth, providing them with a sense of hope and direction.
Enakshi Priyam Srivastava, COO of Konark Suryas Odisha, shared similar sentiments during a media interaction. She praised the immense potential of Kashmiri youth, describing them as “hungry for opportunities” and emphasising the untapped talent in the region. Srivastava highlighted her team’s commitment to nurturing local talent, outlining a vision to cultivate future champions over the next 12 years. By investing in youth development, she believes that Kashmir can produce athletes who will compete at the highest levels of the sport.
Challenges Facing Cricket in Kashmir
Despite the excitement surrounding the LLC and the optimism it has brought, there are still significant challenges that need to be addressed. One of the biggest obstacles is the lack of infrastructure for cricket in the valley. Although Bakshi Stadium has been renovated to accommodate international matches, the region still suffers from a scarcity of quality cricket grounds. Many young cricketers are forced to practise on substandard pitches, which can hinder their development and limit their opportunities to play at higher levels.
Afzal Ahmad, a cricket coach based in Srinagar, spoke about the challenges facing young cricketers in the valley. He explained that while the passion for cricket is widespread, the lack of proper facilities and resources makes it difficult for players to reach their full potential. “Passion and opportunities go hand in hand,” he said, emphasising that without the necessary infrastructure, even the most talented players may struggle to succeed.
Local fans also echoed these concerns. Mohammad Sarib, a resident of Lal Chowk in Srinagar, attended the LLC matches and was thrilled by the atmosphere in the stadium. However, he expressed a longing to see local youth given the same opportunities to play on a big stage. “I wish the local youth of Kashmir get to play in the same manner in the future,” he said. “We have enormous talent in every alley of Kashmir, but opportunities are very few.”
The lack of infrastructure also contributes to a sense of frustration and helplessness among young players. Many feel that despite their talent, they will never have the chance to represent Kashmir or India at the highest level. Hazik Qayoom, a passionate cricket fan who attended the final match at Bakshi Stadium, voiced this sentiment. “It’s amazing to see big players showcasing their skills here,” he said, “but I wonder if a Kashmiri boy will ever get the chance to represent the country on this very ground.”
Hope for the Future
As the LLC concludes its Kashmir leg, the local cricket community is left with a renewed sense of optimism. While the road ahead may be challenging, the success of the tournament has shown that the valley is ready to embrace its sporting potential. Kashmir, with its passion for cricket and wealth of untapped talent, could soon be a place where young cricketers not only dream of success but also have the opportunities to achieve it.
