SRINAGAR: Cricket fever is set to grip Srinagar as Jammu and Kashmir prepares to host the prestigious Irani Cup for the first time, with the JKCA ground at Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium, Sonwar, ready to stage the five-day contest from October 1.
The match will see Ranji Trophy champions Jammu and Kashmir take on the Rest of India from October 1 to 5 in what will be the Valley’s maiden Irani Cup fixture.
The Irani Cup, one of India’s premier first-class tournaments organised by the BCCI, is traditionally played between the reigning Ranji Trophy champions and a Rest of India side. The upcoming edition marks another milestone for Jammu and Kashmir cricket following the team’s historic Ranji Trophy triumph.
According to details available, extensive broadcast arrangements have been put in place for the match, including around 20 cameras, Decision Review System (DRS), Hawkeye technology, stump microphones and advanced scoring and graphics systems.
The broadcast team conducted multiple inspections of the venue before finalising technical requirements. The setup will feature near-side and far-side gantry cameras, slip and spin-vision cameras, along with six Hawkeye cameras for DRS operations.
The match will be telecast live on Star Sports and streamed on JioHotstar, enabling fans across the country to follow the high-profile fixture.
The build-up has already gathered momentum with Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant receiving a warm welcome at Srinagar airport upon his arrival ahead of the clash, adding to the excitement around the event.
Cricket action at the venue will continue beyond the Irani Cup, with Jammu and Kashmir scheduled to host Madhya Pradesh in a Ranji Trophy first-round league match, giving local fans another opportunity to witness top-level domestic cricket. (KNO)
