Srinagar, Oct 25: The much-awaited Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL) 2025 began with enthusiasm at Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium on Saturday, marking a fan moment for cricket in Jammu and Kashmir as global stars and local players came together on one platform in the coming days.
The opening match witnessed a good start to the tournament, though the stands appeared thin, with the crowd expected to increase as the league progressed.
Despite limited attendance, the spirit of the game remained high as players showcased top-level performances on Kashmir’s historic turf.
Moreover, Minister for Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma, who attended the inaugural ceremony, expressed pride in the region’s sporting potential and extended a warm welcome to the teams and organizers.
“I congratulate and welcome you all. The organizers and players of the Indian Heaven Premier League have come to the land of Jammu and Kashmir carrying a message of love and friendship,” Minister Sharma said.
The IHPL 2025 features a star-studded lineup, including West Indies legend Chris Gayle, New Zealand’s Martin Guptill, Australia’s Shaun Marsh, Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan, and West Indian spinner Garey Mathurin. J&K’s own Parvez Rasool and Ishan Malhotra are also part of the tournament, adding local pride to the mix.
Similarly, the league will run from October 25 (today) to November 8 at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar. The event follows the massive success of previous leagues and other sports events, which have reignited professional cricket in the valley after four decades.
Notably, while the opening day missed a massive crowd turnout, organizers remain hopeful that fan attendance will grow in the coming days as excitement builds around the high-profile event—(KNO)
