Pulwama, J & K : The second edition of the Royal Premier League kicked off at the Sports Stadium Pulwama, drawing thousands of cricket fans to the venue.

SSP Pulwama Ms Tanushree attended the opening ceremony as the chief guest. Pulwama MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para and other senior district officers were also present.

The tournament returns after the successful first edition, which received national attention after Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned Pulwama’s day-night cricket match during his Mann Ki Baat address in August 2025.
Locals said the league is creating greater space for young people to channel their energy into sport, nurture talent and build a sense of community.

The sight of youngsters filling the stands, local players competing under professional conditions and families coming together to enjoy cricket reflects a changing narrative, with the aspirations of youth increasingly finding expression through sport, village elder Bilal Rather said.

In an area once associated with the presence of terror groups, the cricket tournament has brought a different energy to the forefront, marked by sporting ambition, youthful enthusiasm, community participation and a shared celebration of peace and normalcy.

The second edition features 10 teams and 24 T20 matches, with several fixtures scheduled under floodlights.

Report By – Reshi Irshad