Former Indian cricket star Irfan Pathan on Thursday said Kashmir’s youth have unmatched passion for sport but lack consistent opportunities and infrastructure to excel.
Speaking at the launch of the EPIC Victory Cricket League (EVCL) in Srinagar on Thursday, Pathan said the new league aims to bridge this gap and bring raw talent into the spotlight.
“I have seen it firsthand—a left-arm pacer from Kupwara, boys from Baramulla… they have fire in them. What’s missing is the exposure and proper training,” Pathan said during the press conference at Hotel Radisson.
He said the EVCL will provide a much-needed platform for young players not just in J&K, but also from states like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.
The league, he added, will feature a mix of rising talent and experienced domestic players, allowing for learning and mentorship.
“This is not just a tournament; it will be a platform to change lives,” he said.
Pathan further said there is a need to improve the cricketing infrastructure in Kashmir at the grassroots level. “Many districts still play on matting wickets. Turf wickets are the need of the hour if we want to prepare players for national-level competitions,” he said.
The former all-rounder added that the rise of female cricketers from the region is inspiring and shows that the youth of this region are ready to make an impact on the bigger stages, regardless of gender.
Pathan, who has previously worked closely with cricketers in Kashmir during his stint with the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), said he has witnessed the hunger for cricket in remote corners of the Valley.
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