Srinagar, Nov 22: Inspector General of CRPF, P K Sharma on Saturday that every possible measure has been taken to ensure a secure and peaceful atmosphere in Srinagar as the Third CRPF Cricket Tournament commenced here.
Speaking with reporters, the IG, per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the tournament is being organised regularly since 2023 in November-December with an aim to engage the youth and promote sports culture.
“Around 123 teams from Srinagar, Baramulla and Ganderbal showed interest this year, but due to time constraints, a draw was held and sixteen teams were shortlisted,” he said.
The tournament is being organised in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association, while the grounds have been provided by the University of Kashmir.
Sharma said special emphasis has been laid on youth participation. “We have kept age restrictions to ensure more involvement of players below 19 and 23 categories. Kashmir has enormous cricketing talent and enthusiasm. Through sports, we want to strengthen peace, harmony and connect positively with the youth,” he added.
On security preparedness in Srinagar, the IG said CRPF along with J&K Police, Army and civil administration is working jointly to maintain peace. “I don’t want to go much into details since today is a sports event, but from our side every possible measure has been taken,” he said.
He added that CRPF has been serving here for the last 35 years and cooperation of people with them continues to grow.
CRPF Cup Kicks Off in Srinagar
The third edition of the CRPF Cup T20 Cricket Tournament began on Saturday at Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar.
IG CRPF Srinagar Sector, Pawan Kumar Sharma, told reporters that the event has gained significant popularity among youth across the Valley and is being seen as a major platform to empower young cricketers and promote sports-driven engagement.
Kumar said the tournament is part of the force’s efforts to build stronger connections with the local population and foster a sense of community. He said sports bring people together and help create positive spaces for young people to grow.
IG CRPF as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust said the tournament will feature sixteen teams, including six from Srinagar and three each from Budgam and Ganderbal. Last year’s winner and runner-up teams, along with one team from the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association and one from Kashmir University, will also participate. The matches will be held in a league-cum-knockout format over nine days across different venues in Srinagar.
The officer said the CRPF Cup has become a much-anticipated event, giving young players the opportunity to represent their districts and display their skills on a competitive stage. He said the winning team will receive a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh, while the runner-up will get Rs 1.7 lakh. Man of the Match awards for every game and the Man of the Series prize have also been increased this year.
He added that each team is permitted to field only sixteen registered players and must include at least three under-19 players and two under-23 players to ensure opportunities for young talent.
In response to a question, IG CRPF Srinagar Sector, Pawan Kumar Sharma said that foolproof security arrangements are in place to ensure this tournament concludes on a good note.
