Srinagar, Nov 28 (KNO): The cricket fever reached its peak in the valley as MLA Gymkhana Budgam emerged victorious in the 2nd Edition CRPF Cup 2024 Srinagar Sector T20 Challenge. The MLA team won against Batwara Sports Club with 46 runs in the final, held at Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium, Sonwar, Srinagar. MLA Budgam emerged as a back-to-back winner of this tourney.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the nine-day event received enthusiastic participation and massive online engagement of viewers following the final.
The tournament provided budding cricketers an opportunity to perform on one of the valley’s most iconic grounds. Local spectators expressed their excitement. “It is not just about cricket. Events like these bring people together and show the positive energy of our youth,” said Faizan, a spectator from Nishat.
Additional Director General of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), J&K Zone, Rajesh Kumar said these tournaments channel youth energy in a positive direction and foster unity. He congratulated the winners and all participants for showcasing such a "remarkable talent".
About the match, MLA Gymkhana Budgam, batting first, scored 166/6 in 20 overs. Batwara Sports Club responded with 121/10 in 18.4 overs.
ADG Kumar said that cricket tournaments are being held to divert the energy of the youth in the right direction.He lauded Srinagar Sector CRPF for providing a "fantastic platform" and opportunity for emerging young talent to showcase their skills.
According to a statement issued by the tournament organisers, the grand finale of the 2nd Edition CRPF Cup 2024 Srinagar Sector T20 Challenge concluded on a high note, with MLA Gymkhana Budgam emerging victorious for the second year in a row, defeating Batwara Sports Club by 46 runs.
Tajamul Baba's exceptional all-round performance was the highlight of the match, earning him the Player of the Match award and a cash prize of Rs 10,000. The CRPF Cup 2024 witnessed incredible live viewership, with over 30 lakh viewers following the match on Facebook live streaming.
An astounding 1.30 lakh viewers stayed updated with the match scores through the CricHero App, the statement said, adding, "The tournament provided young cricketers with a remarkable opportunity to play on the main ground of the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium. This experience was cherished by all the players throughout the event."
The CRPF Cup 2024 concluded with a grand closing ceremony attended by several esteemed dignitaries. The stadium was packed to capacity with enthusiastic spectators who cheered for the teams, adding to the electrifying cricketing atmosphere with exciting commentary and music.
Rajesh Kumar, IPS, ADG J&K Zone CRPF, graced the event as Chief Guest. Mitesh Jain, IPS, IG KOS CRPF; Rajiv Pandey, IPS, DIG CKR J&K Police; Imtiyaz Hussain, SSP Srinagar; Majeed Dar, a member of the J&K Cricket Association; Dr Parvez Sofi, MD, Ujala Hospitals; officials from Liberty Shoes Ltd; radio partner Red FM; and senior officers from J&K Administration, J&K Police, and CAPFs were among the distinguished guests.
Pawan Kumar Sharma, IG Srinagar Sector CRPF, delivered the welcome address and thanked all the dignitaries for their august presence.
Match Summary
MLA Gymkhana Budgam: 166/6 (20 overs) - Tajamul Baba: 60 runs (43 balls), 4-0-36-5 - S. Gazi: 3.4-0-25-2
Batwara Sports Club:121/10 (18.4 overs) - Affan Wani: 71 runs (51 balls) Player of the Match: Tajamul Baba (MLA Gymkhana Budgam)
Awards
Champions MLA Gymkhana Budgam – Rs 1,50,000 cash prize & Trophy. Runners-Up: Batwara Sports Club – Rs 1,25,000 cash prize & Trophy -Player of the Tournament: Junaid Bashir (MLA Gymkhana Budgam). Rs 20,000 cash prize. Best Batsman: Sohail Paul (MLA Gymkhana Budgam) – Rs 20,000 cash prize. Best Bowler: Shahid Bashir (Master XI Ompora) – Rs 20,000 cash prize.
All players from the finalist teams were presented with a pair of Liberty shoes—(KNO)