Retired international cricketers landed in Srinagar on Sunday to take part in the final leg of the Legends League Cricket (LLC) at Bakshi Stadium, which kicks off on October 9, according to officials.
After nearly four decades, the Kashmir Valley is set to host seven matches of the LLC, including the finals, where both Indian and international players will showcase their skills at Bakshi Stadium starting Wednesday. According to officials, approximately 18 cricketers arrived at Srinagar International Airport and were transported to a luxury hotel in the city, where they will reside for two weeks until the league concludes.
Officials announced that the 18 players who landed in Srinagar on Sunday include Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, Martin Guptill, Pawan Negi, Suboth Bhati, Suranga Lakmal, Chaturanga De Silva, Elton Chigumbura, Hamilton Masakadza, Abdur Razak, Parthiv Patel, Chirag Gandhi, Hamid Hassan, Shreevats Goswami, Jeevan Mendis, Jesal Karia, Monu Kumar, and Ribin Bist.
Along with these players, star cricketers like Upul Tharanga, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Ian Bell, Shikhar Dhawan, Chris Gayle, Suresh Raina, Ian Bell, and Harbhajan Singh will be representing the six teams in the league
“Hello Srinagar, Universe Boss in town, book your tickets to see the Universe Boss ..Common Srinagar looking for you Guys” former West Indies Captain Chris Gayle in a video message said.
Ready to enjoy the GAYLE STORM in Srinagar..
Universe boss is here with a BANG …
BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW @henrygaylehttps://t.co/QRQ3AAJ7xS pic.twitter.com/03l1EDpbUJ
— RJ Nasir (@rjnasirkashmir) October 7, 2024
Authorities have enhanced security measures to guarantee the safety of players and fans alike. Bakshi Stadium, originally a football venue, has been renovated to host international cricket matches. “Chosen for its seating capacity of over 30,000, it was preferred over Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium to enable more fans to experience the event in person,” an official stated.
The last One Day International match held in the region took place between India and Australia in September 1986, a match that India lost. The inaugural ODI in Kashmir occurred in October 1983 between India and the West Indies but was marred by disruptions as spectators dug up the pitch and reportedly chanted slogans against the Indian team.
The tournament in Srinagar is set to kick off on October 9 with a match featuring Hyderabad against the Southern Superstars, leading up to the grand final on October 16, when the league champions will be determined. Local officials are putting in tremendous effort to ensure the event is a success, aiming to deliver an unforgettable experience for both the players and the cricket enthusiasts of Kashmir.
Srinagar fixtures
9th October 2024: Hyderabad Team vs Southern Superstars
10th October 2024: India Capitals vs Manipal Tigers
11th October 2024: Konark Surya Odisha vs Gujarat Team
12th October 2024: Qualifier (Position 1 vs Position 2)
13th October 2024: Eliminator (Position 3 vs Position 4)
16th October 2024: Final.
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
