"This is a very big thing": Chinar Premier League receives praise in J-K
Baramulla, August 9
Baramulla Cricket Forum General Secretary Zubair Ahmad Dar praised the Indian Army for organising the Chinar Premier League, describing it as a significant initiative for cricket and sports in Jammu and Kashmir.
He highlighted that the tournament is being held across districts simultaneously and expressed gratitude to the Indian Army for its contribution to promoting sports and providing opportunities for local cricketers.
The official inauguration of the Chinar Premier League (CPL) 2026 was held at the Gen Bipin Rawat Stadium in Baramulla on Sunday.
"This tournament, which was organised today, is the Chinar Premier League... It is the management of the Indian Army and their contribution that such a big tournament is held in every district at the same time. This is a very big thing as a cricketer as well as a sports person. We are very grateful, as I am the general secretary of the Baramulla Cricket Forum... We are very grateful to our Indian Army for taking such a positive initiative in the tournament," Dar told ANI.
Organised with the support of the Indian Army and played on an IPL-style format, the massive cricket tournament features 79 teams representing the Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh divisions.
The tournament will be played across seven different venues, providing local young cricketers with a major platform to showcase their talent in front of home crowds.
The initiative aims to promote sports among youth, nurture local cricketing talent and inspire the next generation of athletes across the region. The league is also expected to strengthen the sporting culture and provide talented players with opportunities to compete at a larger level.
Save Youth Save Future Foundation Chairman Wajahat Farooq Bhat also praised the Chinar Premier League as a major opportunity for sportspersons, particularly cricketers across Jammu and Kashmir.
He appreciated the Indian Army's initiative in organising the tournament and highlighted its role in promoting and supporting local sporting talent.
"Today is the inaugural ceremony of the Chinar Premier League at Baramulla. This is a great opportunity for the sportspersons, especially cricketers across Jammu and Kashmir. We must appreciate the Indian Army for this initiative," Bhat said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is exactly what we need more of — sports initiatives that bring communities together. IPL-style format with teams from every district is a fantastic idea. Hope this inspires more young cricketers from the region and the Army continues such positive engagements.
While I appreciate the initiative for promoting sports, I wish the central government would invest more in permanent sports infrastructure in Kashmir rather than relying solely on the Army's efforts. A stadium is great, but we need year-round coaching and facilities for our youth to truly benefit. Just my honest take.
Great to see sports being used as a bridge. 79 teams across seven venues is a big operation. This could genuinely unearth some serious talent from J&K that might otherwise go unnoticed. Hope the league gets the coverage it deserves.
The Gen Bipin Rawat Stadium hosting the inaugural ceremony feels symbolic — a fitting tribute while also promoting the next generation. The Chinar Premier League seems well-organised. If this becomes an annual affair, it could transform the sporting culture in Kashmir. All the best to all 79 teams! 🏏
It's heartening to see positive narratives coming out of the valley. These sporting events have the power to change perceptions and give the youth something constructive to look forward to. The Army's initiative here is genuinely progressive. Cricketing talent in Kashmir has always been underutilised — this league is a step in the right direction.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.