In a landmark moment for south Kashmir, the Pulwama Sports Stadium glowed under floodlights on Monday evening, hosting the inaugural day-night cricket match of the Royal Premier League (RPL).
The electrifying atmosphere was palpable as thousands of cricket enthusiasts, showcasing the undying love for the sport among Kashmiri youth, thronged the stadium, with many climbing the rooftops of the pavilion grandstand to catch a glimpse of this event.
The opening ceremony was a spectacle, with the stadium decked in vibrant lights, banners and a festive ambiance. Multiple high-definition cameras were strategically positioned to capture every moment, ensuring fans watching via live streams on different platforms.
The tournament, featuring 12 teams from across Jammu and Kashmir, marked a new chapter of hope, unity and progress in a region once marred by militancy and unrest. The opening match, played between Royal Goodwill Cricket Club and Sultan Springs Baramulla, was met with cheers from a packed audience, who described the atmosphere as electric and historic.
PDP legislator Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, a key supporter of the event, was among the spectators, describing the match as “more than a game-a celebration of aspirations.”
“This is for the first time that a day and night cricket match is being played anywhere in Kashmir, especially in Pulwama. This is the start of a new inning for our youngsters who were earlier hopeless and depressed due to growing unemployment and political uncertainty,” Para said.
Referring to the jam-packed stadium, Para said the record gathering of people from across the valley for this match is a good start.
“This is a youth-led initiative, the organisers, the promoters, and the players who have come from different parts of J&K. Our effort is to keep our youngsters away from drugs, pull them out of depression caused by unemployment and political uncertainty, and give them new hope through such tournaments,” the PDP leader said.
He said the tournament will reach every district and “we wish the players good luck”. The organisers, backed by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, aimed to promote local talent and provide a professional platform for the valley’s youth. Nuzhat Gull, Secretary of the Sports Council, stated, “When you hold the hands of youth, you ignite their spirit. This tournament sows seeds of passion, discipline and purpose.”
Fans assembled in the stadium were treated to a display of aggressive strokeplay and disciplined bowling, with local stars drawing loud cheers.
The inclusion of professional cricketers from outside the valley has added a layer of mentorship, inspiring young players to dream big. For many in the crowd, the match was about reclaiming evenings with joy and togetherness. “This is not just cricket; it’s about restoring hope and rewriting Pulwama’s story,” said a young fan, echoing the sentiments of many. The tournament’s success has sparked plans to expand it to other districts, with Para promising similar events across Jammu and Kashmir. The organizers are also focused on keeping youth away from drugs and despair, using sports as a tool for empowerment. “This is a youth-led initiative,” Para noted, highlighting the involvement of local organizers, promoters, and players.