SRINAGAR: Nineteen-year-old all-rounder Majid Yousuf Sheikh from Panzath, a small hamlet in South Kashmir’s Qazigund, has been signed by Ahmedabad Lions for Rs 3 lakh in the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) Under-19 category, marking a major milestone for the young cricketer and uplifting his entire community.
Majid, the son of a tailor and the only brother among three sisters, has risen through modest circumstances to secure a place in the ISPL, India’s high-profile tennis-ball cricket league that provides street-level players with a national platform. He developed his cricketing skills on a small, uneven ground in his village, relying on determination, patience and long hours of practice.
The news triggered celebrations in Qazigund, with neighbours, relatives and teachers gathering to congratulate him. Teachers recalled his steady progress over the years, his ability to balance academics with practice sessions, and his exposure to competitive cricket, including matches featuring senior Kashmiri players such as Parvez Rasool.
Majid, currently training at a cricket academy in Delhi, said he never lost faith despite remaining unsold in last year’s ISPL season. “I always believed hard work pays off. Getting selected this year is a huge moment for me. I will give my best. My dream is to wear the Indian jersey one day,” he told news gatherer KNO.
His father, Mohammad Yousuf Sheikh, expressed deep pride in his son’s achievement. “I always told him that dedication never fails. Today, his perseverance has borne fruit. I pray he continues to rise,” he said.
Local youth and residents said Majid’s breakthrough has energised aspiring cricketers across the region. However, they also pointed to the lack of basic sports infrastructure. Aquib, a neighbour, said the boys in Panzath struggle because there is no proper ground. “The government should develop a good stadium here. There is a lot of talent in our village, but the boys struggle to practise because of poor facilities,” he said.
For Majid, the journey has only begun. With his first ISPL contract secured, he is preparing to step into a professional setup designed to spotlight raw, grassroots talent from across India. His rise from a rough patch of land in Qazigund to a national cricket league has already become a story of hope, and a reminder to Kashmir’s youth that persistence and discipline can still open doors to wider horizons.
