When Jammu and Kashmir defeated Mumbai, the then-40-time champions, in a Ranji Trophy match in December 2014, cricket fans everywhere took notice. They held their first Ranji game since 2015 in 2018. There was very little chance to host because of security concerns, and the cricket was still burning in the valleys. However, after a six-year break, the region will host its maiden Ranji game, which is good news for the improvement of sport in Kashmir.
The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has been granted hosting rights by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The man in charge of the growth of the sport in the area, Majid Dar, verified the news. He further mentioned that the Sheri Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar will host two of the games, while the schedule for the third game is still pending. The match will take place in Jammu.
“According to the match schedule issued by the BCCI, J&K’s Ranji team will play against Maharashtra and Services in Srinagar at Sheri Kashmir cricket stadium,” Dar told the Kashmir Convener.
Services decide not to participate in the 2009 Ranji game in Kashmir
During the 2009 Ranji Trophy, Services’ refusal to play Jammu and Kashmir in the first round of the plate division match caused a lot of controversy. Despite JKCA’s guarantee that security personnel would be with them both on and off the pitch, the team gave the security justification for its choice. But the Services squad was immediately barred from participating in the 2009 Ranji Trophy matches by BCCI.
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With players from the valley like Parvez Rasool and Umran Malik making it to the national squad, many have been having a positive impact on the Indian cricket scene. For those who do not know, Rasool was the first person born in Srinagar, Kashmir, to represent India in an international match. In addition, cricket players like Suresh Raina and Irfan Pathan have made investments in the valley to further the game.
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