Srinagar: The State Cricket Academy is all set to start a mega cricket event after this Eid, in which 160 teams from Kashmir province and 164 teams from Jammu province are participating.
The event would be held in two phases and the registration process has started two months ago. The registration process in Jammu is in progress.
“It will be first major cricket event to be held in state on this scale this season. The top level cricketers from all over State would be taking part in the event,” Director State Cricket Academy Mubashir Hassan said, adding, the first phase will see teams from all over State talking on each other. In the second phase there will be 20 teams which will include players selected on the basis of their performance during first phase. The second phase will also include team from Ladakh, the players for which were selected during recently Ladakh Students Tournament held in Srinagar.
Giving details about the event, Hassan said, “It is our ambitious project of unearthing the hidden talent in our State. It will be first time that a top level cricket of such magnitude would be held across State. The matches would be held in all the major district venues”.
The first phase matches would be held on knockout basis. The second phase, will involve teams from all over State who will involve shortlisted players. From Jammu province we have involved four districts of Pir Panchal, Chenab Valley, Udhampur and Jammu districts.
“It is first major event of the State this season. The players are yearning for action and all senior and junior level national cricketers of the state will take part in it. The involvement of top cricketers will add to the attraction of this tournament.
The cricketers will play each other for the bumper cash prizes of Rupees 25 lakhs. The need for heavy cash prizes for players stem from the fact that players have no other resources to support their game and this will also make tournament lucrative and attractive besides boost their it is important.
The tournament is also aimed at identifying the raw talent during the event and admit them in recently constituted State Cricket Academy for fine tuning.
Director State Cricket Academy further added, “It is obvious number of youngsters will be part of the event. Some of them will be talented and will be able to show their talent on big stage. We will eye them and will take them under our wings”. (KNS)
