Our dream IPL—but first, we fix fields: Satish Sharma

Srinagar, Jul 8: Jammu & Kashmir Sports Minister Satish Sharma on Tuesday unveiled a bold, bottom-up vision for transforming the sports landscape of the region, starting with local playgrounds and culminating in an ambitious bid to host Indian Premier League (IPL) matches in the Valley within the next four years.

“We are determined to build something lasting. Our children deserve more than just dreams; they deserve a system that delivers,” Sharma said while speaking exclusively to Greater Kashmir.

Sharma said the government was starting from the ground level—literally.

“Our priority is to create playfields at the constituency, block, and district levels. Infrastructure needs to begin from zero,” he said.

 From Football Leagues to Fair Selections

Sharma said the launch of the Kashmir Super League (KSL) marks a new direction in promoting football at the grassroots. Sharma said a parallel initiative, the Jammu Super League, was all set to begin in September, creating a competitive ecosystem across regions.

“We are not just launching leagues. We are reshaping the system to include fair selections, merit-based trials, and talent hunts. Sports should be for sportspersons, not politics,” Sharma said.

He also stressed that athletes would be stakeholders in decision-making and that the government would focus on inter-college and inter-university sports revival.

 Cricket’s Big Leap: IPL in Kashmir by 2029

Speaking about cricket, Sharma said the dream is clear, IPL in Kashmir.

“Within four to four-and-a-half years, we want to see IPL being played in J&K,” Sharma said, adding that international-level stadiums in both Jammu and Srinagar are essential to achieving this.

He revealed ongoing discussions with BCCI officials, including a proposed stadium project in Hiranagar and a reassessment of the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar.

 Private Sponsorship and Youth Welfare

Beyond infrastructure, Sharma called for greater involvement of the private sector, noting that six sponsors already backed the Kashmir Super League.

“We need 50–60 sponsors to join in. This isn’t just about sports—it’s about fighting drug abuse, mobile phone dependency, and creating stress-free environments for youth,” he said.

Call for Delhi’s Support

Sharma acknowledged that central assistance from Delhi was vital to realise J&K’s sports ambitions.

“We will request the Delhi government to provide us with the necessary resources,” he said. “Whether it’s for playfields, equipment, or school- and college-level sports, we need help if we are serious about transforming youth through sports.”

He stressed that J&K’s athletes have consistently outperformed expectations despite limited means.

“Look at how our cricket team challenged a side like Mumbai, how close we came to beating them. We reached the last four, and we are doing well in athletics too,” Sharma said.

“Football is also seeing a revival; our priority is to build on that momentum. The Kashmir Super League is just the start.”

Making a strong case for special support for the region, he said, “If we are the crown of India, there should be something special for the crown. Our children need mental peace and stress-free spaces, and sports can provide that.”

 Winter Sports and Rural Talent

Sharma said that following successful winter sports events in Gulmarg and Sonamarg, the government was in the process of identifying 8–10 new ski locations before the next winter season.