A match in progress between Super King Ahmedabad and Youngster XI Chimmar on 15 July at south Kashmir's Kulgam | Photo: Praveen Jain | ThePrint
Kulgam: A 40-minute trek uphill leads to a lush green patch of land in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, which is surrounded by alpine trees, mountains and a small stream flows through it.
But this is no tourist spot. This patch of land is where the Home Pathri Premier League, a 20-over cricket tournament, is played among 32 villages from the district.
To arrange this tournament, youngsters from across the villages get together to raise funds that is used to buy cricket gear including bats, balls, shoes and uniforms with their names on it.
The players mostly include shopkeepers, labourers and students aged 18 to 28 years, and it is only through their efforts that the tournament is held every year.
Depending on the funds accumulated, it is held three or four times a year between May and August. Several villagers also hike to the ground to support their teams.
The players now aspire for some professional support including coaches, better infrastructure and greater opportunities by the government.
According to the youngsters, cricket is what gives them direction in a place marred with conflict. And they must be encouraged for this reason.
On 15 July, a match was played between the teams Super King Ahmedabad and Youngster XI Chimmar. ThePrint’s National Photo Editor Praveen Jain brings you glimpses from the match.
A group photo of Super King Ahmedabad team with captain Sharif Choopan in the centre before the match begins for Home Pathri Premier League on 15 July | Photo: Praveen Jain | ThePrintCaptain Hilal Ahmad Bhat (in the centre) with his Youngster XI Chimmar team before the match | Photo: Praveen Jain | ThePrintTwo players attempt a catch as the match begins | Photo: Praveen Jain | ThePrintTwo players try hard not to miss a catch | Photo: Praveen Jain | ThePrintCaptains of the two teams, Sharif Choopam and Hilal Ahmad Bhatt, interact before the match | Photo: Praveen Jain | ThePrintGowher (left) prepares the match’s score card | Photo: Praveen Jain | ThePrintTeam members warm up before the match | Photo: Praveen Jain | ThePrintA player in action during the match | Photo: Praveen Jain | ThePrintAhmedabad team’s captain Choopam attempts a catch on a rocky ground | Photo: Praveen Jain | ThePrintBatsmen wait for their turn | Photo: Praveen Jain | ThePrintBatsmen getting ready for match | Photo: Praveen Jain | ThePrintLocal villagers hiked to the ground to watch the teams play | Photo: Praveen Jain | ThePrintSome of the players posing for a photograph before the match | Photo: Praveen Jain | ThePrintDespite being opponents, a camaraderie could be seen among players of the tournament | Photo: Praveen Jain | ThePrintThe umpire signalling a six during the match | Photo: Praveen Jain | ThePrintSpectators on the ground | Photo: Praveen Jain | ThePrintA view of the ground in Kulgam where the T20 tournament is played | Photo: Praveen Jain | ThePrintLocal villagers also watch the match from atop a bridge | Photo: Praveen Jain | ThePrint
