Srinagar: The third edition of the CRPF Cup T20 Cricket Tournament began on Saturday at Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar.
IG CRPF Srinagar Sector, Pawan Kumar Sharma, told reporters that the event has gained significant popularity among youth across the Valley and is being seen as a major platform to empower young cricketers and promote sports-driven engagement.
Kumar said the tournament is part of the force’s efforts to build stronger connections with the local population and foster a sense of community. He said sports bring people together and help create positive spaces for young people to grow.
IG CRPF as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust said the tournament will feature sixteen teams, including six from Srinagar and three each from Budgam and Ganderbal. Last year’s winner and runner-up teams, along with one team from the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association and one from Kashmir University, will also participate. The matches will be held in a league-cum-knockout format over nine days across different venues in Srinagar.
The officer said the CRPF Cup has become a much-anticipated event, giving young players the opportunity to represent their districts and display their skills on a competitive stage. He said the winning team will receive a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh, while the runner-up will get Rs 1.7 lakh. Man of the Match awards for every game and the Man of the Series prize have also been increased this year.
He added that each team is permitted to field only sixteen registered players and must include at least three under-19 players and two under-23 players to ensure opportunities for young talent.
In response to a question, IG CRPF Srinagar Sector, Pawan Kumar Sharma said that foolproof security arrangements are in place to ensure this tournament concludes on a good note. [KNT]
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