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

As the floodlights illuminate the Pulwama cricket ground, a sea of enthusiastic fans fill the stadium for the second edition of the Royal Premiere League. Despite the darkness and some roads still being closed, cricket lovers flock to the Valley, undeterred. The tournament, which will span two weeks, brings together 10 teams from across J&K. This year is especially significant as the Jammu & Kashmir cricket team recently won their first Ranji Trophy title, defeating Karnataka.

The Pulwama stadium, with its limited pavilion and no fixed seating, is overflowing with spectators. Policemen and volunteers ensure no space near the field is left unguarded, as crowds spill onto the field from nearby buildings, staircases, and poles. Witnesses make do without commentary, instead discussing the game with each other in real-time.

One young man from Ganderbal, Haseeb, travels with his friends to attend the match. Although his family doubts his plans, he is excited to witness the night game. The lack of tickets adds to the frenzy, drawing crowds of young men eager to support their local clubs. The tournament, aimed at providing a source of joy and unity for the residents of a region often marred by militancy, has become a beacon of hope for the people of Pulwama.

Organiser Irfan Sarkar, whose family runs a fruit business in the area, hopes the event will bring happiness and a chance for the youth to come together and celebrate. The players, though not professionally trained, exude passion for the game, and the crowd, despite their limited exposure to organized sports, enthusiastically cheers on their teams.