CPL-2025 begins in style, Lone’s century steals show

Baramulla, Jul 21: Baramulla came alive with cricket fever on Monday as the Chinar Premier League (CPL)-2025 began with a colourful inaugural ceremony, followed by a blistering century from Jahangir Lone that powered BCC Reds to a 52-run win over Karnah Tigers at General Bipin Rawat Stadium.

The air was filled with joy as the CPL-2025 was declared open at the venue.

Prior to the start of the inaugural match, a performance by students of the Blind School filled the air with patriotism, which was followed by a skilled performance by a team of Army personnel at the stage.

This was followed by the inaugural match of the tournament, played between BCC Reds and Karnah Tigers.

Winning the toss, BCC Reds decided to bat first and set a target of 230 runs for the opponent team after losing their six wickets in a spell of 20 overs.

BCC Reds had a good start before it lost its first wicket in early overs.

The match turned exciting as Jahangir Lone started his inning. He remained on the pitch for more than an hour and scored 113 runs in just 46 balls. During his inning he hit 9 sixes and 10 fours. His every knock was received with cheers and celebrations from the crowd. His innings added a flavour of excitement to the inaugural match of CPL-2025.

Besides Jahangir, Captain of BCC Reds, Zubair Dar also scored 38 runs in 31 balls as well.

While chasing the target, the Karnah Tigers were bundled out for 178 runs in 20 overs. The team lost all the wickets.

The CPL-2025 is being played on a knockout basis, and around 64 teams across Kashmir are participating in it.

The CPL-2025 is being organised by the Indian Army in coordination with local civil stakeholders.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 19th Infantry Division Baramulla, the DIG of the North Kashmir Range, the DIG of the BSF, the DIG of the CRPF, and other dignitaries and officers from the civil administration.

Speaking about the CPL-2025, General Secretary of the Baramulla Cricket Forum (BCF) Zubair Dar, who is also the captain of BCC Reds, said the tournament was an opportunity for the cricketers to showcase their talent.

“Having pan-Kashmir teams in this tournament will help each and every team to assess their talent and performance,” Dar told Greater Kashmir.

The captain of the Karnah Tigers extended his gratitude to the Indian Army for giving them an opportunity to showcase their cricketing talent on such platforms.

“Such platforms not only provide a chance to play cricket but also infuse sportsmanship among the players, as teams from across Kashmir are playing in it,” Yasir told Greater Kashmir.

As the CPL-2025 has begun, the matches will be played at two venues—Bipin Rawat Stadium and Prof Showkat Ali Stadium Khoja Bagh Baramulla.