As darkness falls, Pulwama comes alive for the second Royal Premiere League

As night fell over Pulwama, the city awakened for the second Royal Premiere League match, drawing cricket fans from far and wide. Despite roads still being dimly lit and some closed at night, spectators thronged the stadium in their thousands. This year’s tournament, spanning two weeks, features ten teams with players from across J&K, following the Jammu & Kashmir cricket team’s historic victory in the Ranji Trophy earlier in the year.

The Pulwama stadium, with its modest pavilion and no official seating, was filled to capacity, with policemen and volunteers maintaining order among the crowds. Matches began at 8 pm, with spectators persisting to arrive until 10 pm, even without live commentary. The tournament’s highlight is the free admission, a key factor in its popularity.

The match between Royal Goodwill and Sultan Warriors concluded with a 50-run victory for the former. For the residents of Pulwama, known as a hotbed of militancy for decades, including the February 2019 Pulwama attack that claimed 40 CRPF lives, the league offers a much-needed respite and a source of hope. League organizer Irfan Sarkar, whose family runs a fruit business, established a local cricket club and organized the league to provide a platform for the youth to come together and enjoy the game.