Excelsior Sports Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 17: Former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan today said that Kashmir’s youth possess extraordinary passion for cricket but lack consistent opportunities and infrastructure to develop their talent.
Speaking at the launch of the Epic Victory Cricket League (EVCL) here in Srinagar, Pathan said the new franchise-based T20 tournament aims to bridge this gap and showcase the region’s raw talent.
“I have seen it firsthand – a left-arm pacer from Kupwara, boys from Baramulla – they have fire in them. What’s missing is exposure and proper training,” Pathan said during a press conference.
He said the EVCL would serve as a platform not just for players from Jammu and Kashmir but also from states like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, mixing young talent with experienced domestic players for learning and mentorship opportunities. “This is not just a tournament; it’s a platform to change lives,” Pathan said. He emphasized the urgent need for better cricket infrastructure in Kashmir. “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 added.
The former all-rounder also highlighted the rise of female cricketers from the region as a sign of the growing enthusiasm for the sport among Kashmir’s youth, irrespective of gender.
The EVCL’s inaugural edition is scheduled to begin in September. The tournament will feature a player pool of over 200, finalized after a month-and-a-half-long trial process across 20 cities.
Registrations for the trials will open next week on the EVCL’s official portal. Trials will kick off in Srinagar on June 15 and conclude in Baraut, Uttar Pradesh, on July 31, 2025. Male cricketers aged 17 to 39 are eligible to participate, with selections overseen by a committee comprising members from state cricket associations and the EVCL apex council.
League owner Vikas Dhaka said the EVCL is about more than just competition. “It is about giving opportunities to those who missed out for various reasons and showcasing the incredible depth of cricket talent in India,” he said.
The league will be broadcast on a leading OTT platform, with coverage in more than seven languages, including English, Hindi, Kashmiri and Dogri, marking a first for cricket broadcasting in the region.18
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