Fourteen teams from across the valley who are vying for the top honours at the inaugural edition of the Kashmir Premier League (KPL) have been named in a manner to build a connect between the players and the locals.
Published: Jul 06, 2011, 04:54 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 06, 2011, 04:54 PM (IST)
Kashmir Premier League is attarcting a lot of local people © Getty Images
Srinagar, Jul 6, 2011
Fourteen teams from across the valley who are vying for the top honours at the inaugural edition of the Kashmir Premier League (KPL) have been named in a manner to build a connect between the players and the locals.
Names like Srinagar Sherdils and Budgam Badshahs among many others add to the local flavour and are expected to generate enthusiasm among the cricket lovers there by attracting more and more people to the venues.
As the entry to the venues is also free, the experiment seems to have been a success so far with hundreds of people turning to the venues to cheer their home team.
The inaugural match played on Monday at DPS grounds at Athwajan where Srinagar Sherdils drubbed Budgam Badshahs by six wickets was watched by more than 2,000 spectators.
Yesterday’s matches also saw the spectators turning up in large numbers to support their home teams.
Defence Spokesman Lt Colonel J S Brar said the experiment has been a huge success so far as the attendance in the stands has been higher than expected.
“People here, like any other part of the country, are crazy about cricket and it is evident from the attendance at the games played so far,” said Lt Col Brar.
The other teams participating in the tournament are Anantnag Arsenals, Anantnag Angare, Badgam Bemisals, Ganderbal Gladiators, Kupwara Knights, Kulgam Kings, Pulwama Panthers and Shupiyan Superkings.
The tournament has been divided into two groups with top two teams from each group qualifying for the semifinals.
The winner of the tournament will take home cash prize of Rs 5 lakh while the runner-up will pocket Rs 3 lakh.
© PTI
