Baramulla, Aug 08: The Chinar Premier League (CPL) 2026 got off to a vibrant start here on Saturday with Sultan Warriors registering the tournament’s first victory by defeating Black Panthers Mirhar by 18 runs at the Gen Bipin Rawat Stadium.
The tournament, which features 79 teams—one for each year of India’s Independence—and over 1,600 young cricketers from Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, is being played across seven venues spanning five districts. Organisers said this year’s edition has expanded beyond the Valley for the first time to include teams from Jammu, Leh, and Ladakh.
In the tournament opener at the Gen Bipin Rawat Stadium in Baramulla, Sultan Warriors set the tone with a composed all-round performance. After posting a competitive total, they restricted Black Panthers Mirhar to seal an 18-run victory. The win set the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested league.
For 18-year-old Aamir Hussain Wani from Kupwara, who featured in the match, walking out to bat was a moment he had only dreamed of. “I have played cricket on uneven mud grounds with a taped tennis ball. Today, I have a proper kit, a jersey with my name, and a crowd cheering for me. This is not just a match—this is my life changing,” Wani told Kashmir Convener.
The Baramulla pool emerged as the most action-packed on the opening day. At the Gen Bipin Rawat Stadium, Victoria BML announced their title credentials in emphatic fashion, crushing Star Sports Binner by a staggering 141 runs in the evening fixture. It was the biggest margin of victory on the day.
At the Prof. Showket Ali Stadium, Phaktoon Reds edged past Bradman Sopore by 2 wickets in a thrilling morning contest that went down to the wire. However, the evening match between Food Cricket Club and Sunrise Abubakar was postponed due to a district event, much to the disappointment of the gathered crowd.
Singhpora Stadium witnessed two convincing victories, with Hamdan Strickers beating FCC Fathehpora by 6 wickets and PCC Pattan Reds registering a 75-run win over Sopore Cricket Academy.
Srinagar and Anantnag Hit by Setbacks
The Srinagar leg at Gani Memorial Stadium failed to produce a single ball as both scheduled matches—Holiday Cafe Budgam vs City Gate Batwara and FCC Nowhatta vs Ramzii Sports—were postponed due to ground maintenance. Local spectators expressed disappointment as the stadium remained empty on what was expected to be a festive day of cricket.
Anantnag’s Bijbehara Nilandrus Stadium suffered a similar fate, with rain forcing the postponement of both fixtures—Seer Blues CC vs Shopian Rockerz and The Elite Anantnag vs United CC Anantnag. Organisers said the matches would be rescheduled.
Kupwara and Kargil Produce Mixed Results
In Kupwara, City Club Kupwara delivered a solid performance, defeating Kupwara XI by 47 runs at the Galizoo Stadium. In the evening fixture at the same venue, Coaching Centre Kupwara comfortably beat Shahi-I-Hamdan by 7 wickets.
The GOMA Playground in Kargil saw Drass XI dominate Ibex Leh, winning by 81 runs in the morning fixture. However, rain played spoilsport in the evening, forcing the postponement of the Friends Club Kargil vs Kargil Warrior match.
Day 2: 14 Matches Across Six Pools
The action resumes on Sunday with 14 matches scheduled across all pools. According to the official schedule, the fixtures are as follows:
At the Gen Bipin Rawat Stadium in Baramulla, Pool 1 leaders Sultan Warriors will face Wounder Boys Ghattamullah in the morning, while Victoria BML take on ACC Gutyar in the evening. At the Prof. Showket Ali Stadium, Bradman Sopore meet Shining Star Singhpora in the morning, followed by Food Cricket Club against Bankers XI in the evening. Singhpora Stadium will host Hamdan Strikeers vs YMCC and PCC Pattan Reds vs MS Sports Janbazpora.
At Gani Memorial Stadium in Srinagar, Assad Guest House take on Greenex CC in the morning, while MLA Gym Khana face Friends CC Dab Ganderbal in the evening. Anantnag’s Bijbehara Nilandrus Stadium hosts Red Stone Arihal vs Downtown Bijbehera in the morning and Seer Blues CC vs Pulwama Sports in the evening.
In Kupwara, Galizoo Stadium will witness City Club Kupwara vs Friends XI Lolab in the morning and Shahi-I-Hamdan vs Karnah Tigers Kupwara in the evening. At the GOMA Playground in Kargil, Ibex Leh face Friends Club Kargil in the morning, followed by Drass XI vs Kargil Warrior in the evening.
Speaking on the tournament’s significance, a senior Army officer, on condition of anonymity, told Kashmir Convener “For decades, the Army was seen only as a security force. Today, we are facilitators of dreams. When a young person picks up a bat instead of a stone, we have already won half the battle. The response to this tournament tells us that the youth want peace, opportunity, and a future.”
Mohammad Ashraf Ganie, a veteran coach who has mentored over 300 young cricketers in the Valley, called the CPL a turning point. “I have lived through the worst of times in Kashmir. I have seen young boys lose their way because there were no opportunities. The CPL has changed that narrative. This is not just a tournament—it is a movement,” Ganie said.
For 23-year-old Shabir Ahmad Dar, who traveled from his village in Ganderbal to watch the matches, the tournament represents a new beginning. “We used to hear about big leagues on television. Now it is happening in our backyard. This is the kind of cricket we wanted to see and be part of,” Dar told Kashmir Convener.
Another local spectator, Ghulam Mohammad Wani, a 45-year-old shopkeeper from Baramulla, watched the opening match with his 14-year-old son, who dreams of becoming a cricketer. “This is a proud moment for every parent here. My son now has a goal,” Wani said.
The finals of the tournament are scheduled to be held on August 15—a fitting tribute to the spirit of a united India. For the Army, and for the thousands of young cricketers taking the field, the Chinar Premier League 2026 is a powerful reminder that when given a platform, the youth of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh are ready to play for peace.
Comments are closed.