Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov 22: Inspector General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Pawan Kumar Sharma, today said comprehensive security measures are in place across Srinagar city.
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“All necessary measures are in place in the city. Troops are deployed, and we are working in full coordination with the police, Army and civil administration,” Sharma told reporters after the third edition of the CRPF Cup T20 Cricket Tournament commenced at Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium.
Sharma said that the tournament has emerged as a major platform to empower young cricketers and strengthen sports-based engagement.
“Sports bring people together and help create positive spaces for young people to grow,” he said.
He said the annual tournament, launched in 2023, has gained significant popularity among youth in the Valley.
This year, he said, 123 teams from Srinagar, Baramulla and Ganderbal had expressed interest in participating, but due to constraints a draw was held to finalise 16 teams.
The participating sides include six from Srinagar, three each from Budgam and Ganderbal-last year’s winner and runner-up-and one team each from the J&K Cricket Association and the University of Kashmir.
The matches will be played in a league-cum-knockout format over nine days across multiple venues in Srinagar. The event is being organised in collaboration with the J&K Cricket Association, with Kashmir University providing the playing grounds.
Sharma said the CRPF has focused on ensuring strong youth involvement. “
Each team is permitted to field 16 registered players and must include at least three under-19 and two under-23 players, he said.
“Kashmir has tremendous cricketing potential, and through such events we aim to nurture that talent while fostering peace and social harmony,” he said.
The winning team will receive Rs 2 lakh and the runner-up Rs 1.7 lakh. Man of the Match awards will be given for every game, and the Man of the Series prize has also been increased this year.
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