Pulwama hosts first-ever floodlit cricket match

SRINAGAR — Pulwama, once a hotbed of militancy in South Kashmir, witnessed a different kind of fervour when thousands of youngsters turned up at the local sports stadium to cheer for their favourite cricket teams under floodlights.

For the first time, Pulwama hosted a day-and-night cricket match last evening, marking a significant shift in the district’s narrative from conflict to celebration of sports.

The inaugural match of the Royal Premier League (RPL) was played at the Pulwama Sports Stadium between Royal Goodwill and Sultan Warriors Baramulla.

The tournament has drawn 12 teams from across Jammu and Kashmir, all competing under newly-installed floodlights — a first for South Kashmir. The tournament has been organised by locals.

The opening ceremony was a glittering affair, attended by PDP leader and MLA Waheed Para, J&K Sports Council Chairperson Nuzhat Gull, and several senior officers from the police and civil administration.

“This is the start of a new inning for our youngsters,” Para said, stressing that sports can serve as a powerful alternative to the violence that has marred the district for decades.

Spectators, including students and families, filled the stands and erupted with applause as the players took the field under floodlights. For many, it wasn’t just about cricket, but about witnessing a moment of normalcy and hope.

Pulwama, particularly since 2016, has been synonymous with militancy and unrest, producing some of the most high-profile militants in Kashmir’s recent history.

“The fact that we are playing and watching cricket under lights in Pulwama is itself historic. It gives us a sense of pride and belonging,” said one of the participants.