Kashmir’s IPL-style cricket league kicks off

Srinagar, Jun 26: Amid unprecedented fanfare, with thousands of spectators thronging the venue in what is being described as Kashmir’s very own IPL, the Alson Kashmir Cup 2025 kicked off on Thursday here at TRC ground in Srinagar.

The opening day of the tournament with two fixtures witnessed an overwhelming crowd, estimated at over 10,000 people, who packed the ground, specially in the second fixture, an unexpected turnout that left even the organisers surprised.

“This tournament truly deserves to be called Kashmir’s IPL,” said Dr Touseef Ahmad, one of the patrons and mentors of the organising body, Dalgate Sports Club.

“From the auction format to the playing pattern, everything has been designed to mirror the IPL. Our goal is to give local youngsters the feel of what it is like to be part of a big league.”

The tournament format follows a full-fledged IPL model with 10 top cricketing teams from across the region playing 25 matches over 12 days. It includes eliminators, a structured points system, and knockout stages. However, weather conditions may play a role in final scheduling.

Dr Touseef said that they have also introduced several technical upgrades to enhance the professionalism of the tournament. “Except for DRS, we have deployed almost every technology available — including a third umpire mechanism and fixed cameras around the ground for better transparency in match decisions,” Dr Touseef said.

Dr Touseef added that a significant development this year is the transition from matting to turf wicket, a move made possible with the support of the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council. “We were told that real cricket must be played on turf, and this year we have made it happen. In fact, over 180 runs were chased down in the very first match, which is a great sign of competitive cricket,” said Dr Touseef.

Emraan Bhatt, one of the brains behind the league, said that this edition also includes a notable focus on youth participation, with under-19 players draughted into playing XIs alongside seasoned stars like Parvez Rasool and Ahmad Banday. “We want to give young boys a platform where they can begin to dream of playing in the IPL or on national stages,” he said.

Dr Touseef said that the league was founded with a mission to fight drug abuse through sports and that Dalgate Sports Club sees this tournament as more than just a cricket league. “It is about uniting people and inspiring the youth. If even a few young boys are steered away from drugs because of this, then our dream is coming true,” Dr Touseef said.

As per the cricket observers in the region, this cricket league edition is expected to dominate the valley’s sporting landscape in the days ahead, stating that it appears no less than a celebration.