Jammu and Kashmir-A cricketing dream now becomes a reality

Under the support from BCCI, Jammu and Kashmir gradually will be a scorching location for cricket-loving people, not due to climate change but as a result of the unbroken passion of local residents. Vistas of the beauty of Valley of Kashmir combine well with its emerging story of cricket-from what has developed into a marvellous new phase for the cricketing world, hoping so in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Cricket makes its presence tangibly felt down the route on Banihal to Srinagar, with evident deep roots, where one observes young players' practice sessions upon fields. The capital of the region, Srinagar buzzes with two stadiums: Bakshi Stadium and Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium. These two stadiums are both affiliated with the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA).

The JKCA is at present being run by a committee formed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) due to internal issues and ongoing litigation in the local cricketing body. Majid Dar, the head of the JKCA, speaks about his hopes and aspirations for the future of cricket in the region. He expressed a deep desire to see the Indian national team play at one of the region's iconic stadiums. For Dar, the day India plays in Kashmir would be the realization of a lifelong dream.

"The day India plays here will make my life complete," Dar shared passionately in an exclusive interview with MyKhel. He underlined that it will bring immense pride and joy to local cricket fans who have always craved watching their national heroes play on their home turf. Although the Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium has a history as it has held two one-day internationals in 1984 and was graced by legends such as Sunil Gavaskar, Vivian Richards, and Kapil Dev, Dar hopes that the future is bright.

The way forward to achieve this goal is upgrading the stadium up to the standard of the International Cricket Council. With these much-needed development, Dar thinks that the stadium would prove to be the international cricket venue once again. Cricket lovers would be very pleased to see their favorite game taking place in Jammu and Kashmir. When we meet the ICC guidelines, I'm pretty sure that matches will be held here, he said and only time would tell when the international cricket came back to the Jammu and Kashmir.

As long as Dar remains positive, hurdles are never the end to hope for. He acknowledges the significant role that BCCI plays in the development of the sport here, mainly on funds and support. For now, JKCA keeps running on a day-to-day basis, overcoming its challenges, but it's still going ahead with the positive result if BCCI continues to stand by them. Dar thanks the board for the support they provide because they provide strategic resources and infrastructure to ensure that this game remains big in the region. "The BCCI is supporting us massively in terms of facilities, funding, and everything we need to move forward," Dar emphasized.

What is strikingly good about the cricket scene of Jammu and Kashmir is the quality of talent that comes out of the region. The IPL further highlighted the potential of cricket that this beautiful region owned, bringing forward local players such as Rasikh Salam Dar, Yudhvir Charak, Abdul Samad, and Umran Malik. Dar maintains that most of these players hails from pretty humble, village backgrounds, highlighting the talent base in the area. However, despite this emerging talent, the region still faces significant challenges when it comes to infrastructure development.

"We do not have suitable grounds and infrastructures in villages," admitted Dar, stressing a need for infrastructure up-gradation for developing the emerging cricket players and helping hone their skills. With much development observed during the past several years in regard to providing proper facilities, practice nets, and necessary infrastructure, still, a long way needs to be traveled according to Dar, and that too by constructing good grounds with an effective foundation that is so far the essence of growing this game in the region for years.

The local cricketing fraternity has promised to overcome these obstacles by bettering facilities, coaching, and support structures for the young cricketers. The combined efforts of the JKCA, BCCI, and the passionate people like Majid Dar ensure that Jammu and Kashmir cricket scene will keep going up with the dawn of new opportunities for both players and spectators. With this trend to continue in this region, it won't be long before Dar is watching the Indian cricket play from his home grounds, and the feather to their rich cricketing history would increase