Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday unveiled the official customized match ball for the upcoming second edition of the Kashmir Super League (KSL) 2026, marking another significant step in the professionalization of franchise football in the Valley.
The specially designed football has been supplied by NIVIA, one of India’s leading sports goods manufacturers and the Official Football Partner of KSL Season 2.
The launch assumes added significance as dedicated customized match balls remain uncommon for football competitions in Kashmir. Organisers believe the initiative will give the league a distinct identity while adding to its professional presentation.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accompanied by his Political Advisor Mudassar Shahmiri, also unveiled the official KSL jersey during the interaction with the organisers.
A delegation led by KSL organiser Mushtaq Bashir met the Chief Minister and apprised him of the preparations and plans for the upcoming season in Srinagar.
The delegation also presented a souvenir KSL jersey to Omar Abdullah. The Chief Minister appreciated the initiative and assured the organisers that he would try to attend one of the league matches.
The organisers later said they were proud to have NIVIA associated with the league as its Official Football Partner.
“The ball is launched. The countdown begins,” the organisers said, signalling the start of preparations for the second season.
KSL, a franchise-based football competition, was launched in Srinagar last year and received an encouraging response during its inaugural edition. The league introduced a new format to local football, with matches played under floodlights at the TRC Synthetic Turf and attracting sizeable crowds.
Encouraged by the success of its first season, the organisers are now looking to make KSL 2026 bigger and better, with several initiatives aimed at raising the standard and profile of the competition.
The introduction of an official customized match ball from NIVIA is among the latest additions as KSL seeks to build a stronger professional identity and establish itself as a major football property in Jammu and Kashmir.
With the official ball and jersey unveiled, the countdown to Kashmir Super League Season 2 has officially begun.
