Srinagar: It was festive atmoshphere in and outside Bakshi Stadium Srinagar on Wednesday as Kashmir after a wait of more than 40 years was hosting any level of Internationl level cricketers with the conduct of Legends League Cricket matches.
Hundrends of cricket fans from all over Kashmir had thronged the venue to have a glimpse of their favourite crickers who included the likes of Martin Guptil, Aaron Finch, Monty Panysar, Mendis, Kedhar Yadhav amoung others.
The opening game of the Srinagar leg which is final schedule of 2024 season was played between Toyam Hyderabad and Southern Super Stars. An hour before the start, there was huge line outisde the stadium gates looking for the printed tickets after having booked online. The buzz was getting bigger and bigger with each passing minute as the fans started occupying there seats. It reached festive level as Guptil faced first ball of the match, hence the things started to roll out.
It is after more than 40 years that any type of International level cricketers are playing cricket in Valley. Though they are retired ones, but being former International stars makes it all together a top level cricket event.
Kashmir has hosted only two One Day Internationals (ODIs) played in Srinagar. The first, on October 13, 1983, saw India face West Indies, with the latter winning by 28 runs. In the second match in 1986, India was defeated by Australia.
Last year LLC matches were held in Jammu for the first time and this season organisers made Srinagar another venue. The final is also scheduled to be held in Bakshi Stadium on October 16.
Fans were equally happy to see their favourite stars playing in front of their eyes.
““I have been following these players for years on TV, and seeing them live is a dream come true. This is a day I will never forget,” sais a fan from Shopian.
“Last year, I watched matches in Jammu. Now, this match in Srinagar has revived the spirit of cricket here. We are hopeful that more international leagues will be hosted in Kashmir, not only to boost tourism but also to upgrade the region’s basic infrastructure,” Javid said.
“It feels like Kashmir’s heart is beating with cricket again. This is a celebration of sport and unity. We hope the government will continue to host such matches and even bring IPL to the region in the future,” sais another fan.
Local boy Abid Nabi was also part of the playing side but was not included in playing eleven. However, whenever he went into the middle, fans shouted with full flow.
Meanwhile, Toyam Hyderabad emerged victorious, defeating Southern Super Stars by five wickets. Southern Super Stars, batting first, posted 153/5 in their 20 overs, with key contributions from Shreevats Goswami (37) and Chirag Gandhi (33). For Toyam Hyderabad, Sudeep Tyagi led the bowling attack, taking 2/22.
For Toyam Hyderabad, Sudeep Tyagi took 2/22 in 3 overs. Ravi Jangid (1/24), Shadab Jakati (1/28) and Shivakant Shukla (1/18) took one wicket each in the innings.
Chasing a target of 154 on the board, George Worker and Peter Trego opened the innings for Toyam Hyderabad. They were down to 16/1 in 1.3 overs after losing the wicket of Trego(13). George Worker scored 19 from 12 balls.
Skipper Gurkeerat Singh Mann made 32 from 26 balls. Ravi Jangid remained unbeaten on 42* from 48 balls to help his team win the match. Samiullah Shinwari also remained not out on 17 from 12 balls. Toyam Hyderabad chased down the target in 18.2 overs.
For Southern Superstars, Abdur Razzak was the pick of the bowlers who took 2/39 in 4 overs. Hamid Hassan (1/44), Pawan Negi (1/15) and Kedar Jadhav (1/18) took one wicket each in the innings.
India Capitals vs. Manipal Tigers on October 10. Konark Surya Odisha will take on Gujarat Team on Oct 11.