The second edition of the Royal Premier League Pulwama is bringing night cricket, nightlife, and community healing to south Kashmir under floodlights.
Under floodlights in the once-volatile and conflict-ridden Pulwama district of south Kashmir, night cricket is offering local residents a powerful sense of catharsis and hope. Hundreds of locals, accompanied by family members carrying food items, stayed out late on Wednesday night to watch the opening match of the Royal Premier League Pulwama.
The tournament marks the second edition of the league, featuring 10 teams playing all their matches under lights so locals can attend after sundown. Irfan Sarkar, a local youth who helped galvanise support alongside local sponsors, brought digital boards, live screen replays, social media streaming, and commentary to the venue. Sarkar shared that around 20,000 spectators attended the first match, cheering, drumming, and celebrating together in the stands.
Pulwama legislator Waheed-ur-Rehmaan Parra described the atmosphere at the stadium as unprecedented, emphasizing that the tournament gives local youth—who have witnessed past misery—a reason to smile. "Kashmir is watching. Kashmir is playing. Kashmir is celebrating. This is more than cricket. It is hope over fear, unity over division, and life over darkness," Parra said. He added that playing under pressing crowd conditions will help local players grow mentally tough and exhibit their talent.
The event has also sparked a surge in local nightlife and business in a district accustomed to quiet nights and security operations by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), State Investigation Agency, and J&K Police. Eateries near the venue are now serving customers until midnight. Niyaz Ahmad, a local eatery owner, noted that chicken items are "selling like hot cakes," adding that seeing customers past 10 p.m. was previously a rare sight in the district.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Sport. Photo courtesy The Hindu Sport.