SRINAGAR: The scheduling controversy surrounding two major local cricket finals in Kashmir has taken a dramatic turn, with Royal Goodwill Cricket Club announcing that it will not be available for either final scheduled on Friday, September 4.
In an official statement issued by the club, Royal Goodwill said the finals of the Royal Premier League (Pulwama) and JKPL had unfortunately been scheduled on the same day, making it practically impossible for the team to participate at both venues.
“The finals of Royal Premier League Pulwama and JKPL have unfortunately been scheduled on the same day. Playing two finals at different venues is practically impossible for our team,” the club said in its statement.
According to the club, it approached the managements of both tournaments and requested them to coordinate and find a compromise to resolve the scheduling conflict. However, Royal Goodwill said that no solution could be reached.
The club subsequently announced its decision not to report for either final.
“Therefore, Royal Goodwill Cricket Club has decided that the team will not be available at either venue tomorrow,” the statement read.
The club, however, clarified that its decision was purely the result of the unavoidable scheduling conflict and was not directed against any of the participating teams.
“This decision is purely due to the unavoidable scheduling conflict and is not against any team,” Royal Goodwill stated.
Two finals, same day
The unusual situation emerged after Royal Goodwill qualified for the finals of both competitions.
In the Royal Premier League final in Pulwama, Royal Goodwill were scheduled to face Sultan Warriors Baramulla.
At Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar, the club was set to play the JKPL final against the winner of the semi-final between Kanwal Tigers and Valley Fresh Cold Chain.
With both finals scheduled for the same day at different venues, the club was effectively faced with an impossible logistical challenge.
The development has also brought the wider issue of coordination in Kashmir’s rapidly expanding local cricket circuit into focus.
With multiple tournaments being played simultaneously across the Valley, questions are increasingly being raised over scheduling, player workload, team participation and coordination between different tournament organisers.
For Royal Goodwill, the immediate consequence has been a decision to stay away from both finals.
Apology to supporters
The club also expressed regret to its supporters and spectators who had been looking forward to the two finals.
“We sincerely apologize to all supporters and spectators who were excited to see the finals,” the statement said.
The latest development is likely to trigger further debate within Kashmir’s local cricket community over the need for better coordination and a more structured approach to organising major tournaments.
As local cricket continues to attract growing crowds and participation, the episode has underlined the importance of ensuring that tournament schedules are planned in a manner that protects the interests of teams, players and supporters alike.
