After construction of this stadium we can have an ipl team for J&K
Kashmir have KPL = Kashmir Premier League (KPL)
KOLKATA: It was cricket with a capital K at Eden Gardens on Friday when the
Srinagar Sherdils trounced a team from the city by 48 runs. Few may have heard of them here but in Kashmir, they are a force to reckon with. Comprising of several Ranji Trophy players from Jammu and Kashmir, this was the team that lifted the Kashmir Premier League (KPL) in 2011.
Many would wonder what the KPL is all about.
It is a tournament that was organized for the first time by the Army in Kashmir with support from the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association and state sports department.
"There is tremendous talent in Kashmir so far as cricket is concerned.
We organized the KPL in which 192 teams from across the state participated. The Srinagar Sherdils were the winners. We have brought the team to Kolkata to give the cricketers the exposure that they need. They were thrilled while playing at Eden Gardens. After all, it is every cricketers dream to play at Eden Gardens at some time in his career.
The trip was organized by the Chinar Corps and the Chinar Air Defence Brigade. The Rotary Club is providing a lot of support in Kolkata. On Friday, the Sherdils played a team from Rotary. In the next few days, they will play against the CC&FC and a Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) team in a day and night match at Eden Gardens," said Major Amit Singh, the officer who is in charge of the team here.
Some of the cricketers in the team have played elsewhere in the country but even for them, the Eden Gardens was a different experience altogether.
"Eden Gardens and Kolkata was a great experience. In Kashmir, we don't lack talent but even basic infrastructure is missing. The KPL was organized in just two-and-a-half months between July and September and you can make out the enthusiasm by the large number of teams that participated. During those few months, cricket fever had engulfed Kashmir. Several matches were being played everyday and everybody was rooting for some team or the other. Unfortunately,
We only have one stadium in Kashmir and three grounds with turf wickets.
The Army has played a very important role in promoting cricket in Kashmir but what we really need is support from the corporate world Elsewhere, matches are played on mats," said Ranji player Majid Dar.
Some of the players are now trying out for the Indian Premier League. Adil Rishi has just returned after trying out for the Mumbai Indians.
According to Dar, there are several youngsters in Kashmir who wish to make cricket their career and play for the country. What they need is some support from corporates.
Srinagar cricket team scores a point in city - Times Of India