On Saturday night, Pulwama was alive with excitement as fans celebrated the final match of the Royal Premier League. The stadium was filled to capacity, with many more fans outside unable to enter due to gridlocked roads. Each ball, wicket, and boundary sparked cheers and dancing among the crowd, showcasing the community’s passion for the sport.
Last year, I launched the Royal Premier League with day and night matches. Locals say that since the start of the Premier League three weeks ago, there have been more people out on the roads during the night than during the day. Irfan Sarkar, a singer from Pulwama, is the man behind the turnaround. Ten clubs from across the Valley participated in the tournament, attracting thousands of cricket enthusiasts. “I have been organising local cricket matches in Pulwama for the past six years. Managing logistics and giving people the confidence to play at night was not an easy task. Pulwama has had its own share of crackdowns, making this cricket league feel like a healing process. There was no animosity, even as hundreds of police and paramilitary personnel were deployed to manage the enthusiastic crowds along the perimeter and at the main gate of the stadium.
This year, we expanded its ambit, and 10 clubs joined the league.
Irfan says it was not an easy decision to start the cricket league and to build the confidence needed for the best teams across the Valley to play in Pulwama. But with the support of the people, it has become a great success story,” said Irfan.
At midnight, amidst roaring cheers, the Royal Goodwill team from Srinagar lifted the trophy. But the bright night truly belonged to Pulwama as it scripted a new chapter.
