Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Oct 15 : “We have received full support here in Kashmir, and we don’t feel like we are playing in a place that has seen a ‘sensitive environment’ before,” said the organisers of Legends Cricket League here on Tuesday.
Addressing the pre-finals press conference for the Legends League Cricket at the Hotel Radisson Collection Srinagar, the organisers, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the ongoing cricket tournament at Bakshi Stadium, which was once a football ground, though lengthy, was never seen as a challenge but simply a time-consuming process.
We have received full support here in Srinagar, and we don’t feel like we are playing in a place that has seen a ‘sensitive environment’ before, they said while thanking the administration and security forces of the valley for the smooth conduct of the League.
“The tournament has been a success, and we would like to thank LG Manoj Sinha, the administration, security forces, and the J&K Sports Council for their cooperation,” they added.
Looking ahead to the next match, they invited cricket fans to show up in large numbers. “Tomorrow is the seventh and final match, and we hope the fans will come out in full strength and enjoy the game,” the organisers said.
Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan, who is part of the event and captain of tomorrow’s playing team, Suryas Odisha, also extended his appreciation to the organising team, including Vivek Khushalani and Raman Raheja. “Whenever I come to Kashmir, the support and love I receive are amazing. The weather here, with the valley surrounded by mountains, boosts our energy levels, making it easier to perform well,” he said.
Pathan was particularly impressed by the presence of young fans, saying, “Seeing kids in the stadium is an inspiration. After the match, we give them autographs, and it is an amazing feeling to see them getting closer to sports. If playing here inspires the youth, it’s a wonderful outcome,” he said.
Irfan said he invites the people to visit and witness its beauty firsthand. “I have seen the hostility in Kashmir for a long time, and I welcome everyone to come and see this beautiful valley,” he said.
It is worth mentioning that the final game of the Legends Cricket League is set to be played between Konark Suryas Odisha and the Southern Superstars, and a large turnout of people is expected at Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium tomorrow—(KNO)
