Cricket fever grips youngsters as International players descend on Srinagar after 38 yrs

The arrival of international cricket stars in Kashmir has sparked a frenzy among fans, with thousands flocking to the Bakshi Stadium to catch a glimpse of legends like Chris Gayle, Shikhar Dhawan and Irfan Pathan. The excitement is palpable as cricket enthusiasts of all ages gather to witness the thrill of live cricket.

The last international cricket match in Srinagar was in 1986, when Australia defeated India by three wickets at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium. Now, 38 years later, the Legends League of Cricket (LLC) has brought international cricketing action back to the Valley, giving fans a chance to relive the magic of the game.

For local fans, this is a dream come true. “In Kashmir, people are more attracted towards cricket. This type of event is something which the youth missed till now,” said Umar Makhdoomi, a 33-year-old Srinagar resident and avid cricket enthusiast. “We’ve been waiting for this moment for decades, and it’s amazing to see our favourite players in action.”

The LLC matches have drawn massive crowds, with fans eager to see cricket stars up close. “Till now, I would watch cricket stars on TV. But this time, people like me are excited to see these stars in person,” Umar added.

The energy at the stadium is electric, with fans cheering and chanting for their favourite players.

Nawaz Shakeel Baba, another cricket enthusiast, hopes this will pave the way for regular international matches in Srinagar. “The administration should focus on creating world-class infrastructure to host top cricket events. This will not only boost tourism but also provide opportunities for local talent to shine.”

Even politicians are catching the cricket fever. Chief Minister-designate Omar Abdullah, who attended a match, said, “It’s incredible to see the enthusiasm, the chatter on the streets, and people flocking to the stadium. It’s something that we didn’t think we would see, so it’s great to see legends playing here.”

Meanwhile, the organisers are thrilled with the response. “The international cricketers are also loving it…we are definitely coming to this place with more players,” said the organisers. “We’re hoping to see much more crowd in the finals.”

The LLC’s ultimate leg will conclude on October 16, with seven matches, including the finals, played at the Bakshi Stadium. As the cricketing action unfolds, fans are eagerly awaiting the final match. Will their favorite team lift the trophy? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—cricket has once again captured the hearts of Kashmiris.