CRPF Cup Set to Kick Off in Srinagar, Aims to Empower Kashmiri Youth Through Sports
CRPF Says Initiative Strengthens Community Bonds and Supports Young Talent, Third Edition Begins Nov 22 at SK Stadium; Sixteen Teams to Compete in Nine-Day Tournament
Srinagar, Nov 21, KNT: The third edition of the CRPF Cup T20 Cricket Tournament is set to begin on Saturday, November 22, at Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar. 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.
DIG CRPF Sudhir 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.
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A senior CRPF officer 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.
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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.
Local youth expressed excitement about the tournament, saying the CRPF has consistently provided fair and transparent sporting platforms. They praised the force for conducting live, honest team draws and increasing prize money for players. Many said they view the tournament as a genuine opportunity for Kashmiri youth to showcase their potential.
They hoped the CRPF would continue organising events that support sports development and community engagement in the region. [KNT]
