Jammu: In a groundbreaking move aimed at elevating the caliber of cricket in the region, the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has announced the hosting of practice matches involving top cricketing teams as part of their preparatory camps ahead of the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) official domestic tournaments.
Officials said “From September 24 to October 10, 2023, the picturesque grounds of Srinagar and Jammu will witness a flurry of cricketing action as JKCA plays host to formidable teams from Punjab, Chandigarh, and Himachal Pradesh.”
“The Senior Men’s Punjab cricket team will embark on a three-match T20 series, kicking off the preparatory camp on September 23. The matches are scheduled to take place at the iconic SK Cricket Stadium in Srinagar. This series is a crucial part of JKCA’s training regimen leading up to the prestigious Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy,” they said.
Meanwhile, the teams from Punjab and Himachal Pradesh will engage in One-Day matches, adding depth to the practice sessions as JKCA gears up for the forthcoming Vinoo Mankad Trophy. These matches are vital in honing the skills of Jammu and Kashmir’s budding cricket talents. Brigadier (Retd) Anil Gupta, Member-Administration of JKCA, made the announcement in a statement here on Sunday, emphasizing the significance of these practice matches in preparing the host team for the demanding BCCI tournaments. He also revealed that JKCA is actively pursuing the possibility of hosting a team from Himachal Pradesh for similar practice matches.
The visionary planning behind these practice matches is credited to Mithun Manhas, Member Cricket Operations and Development at JKCA. In a bid to commemorate this historic occasion, special team jerseys will be provided to all the players participating in these matches, adding an extra layer of enthusiasm to the proceedings. JKCA’s relentless efforts to nurture local cricketing talent and provide ample opportunities for them to shine on the national stage have been commendable. This initiative to host top-tier teams in practice matches underscores their commitment to cricketing excellence in the region.
The decision to host these practice matches is an unprecedented move in the history of JKCA and signifies a significant shift in their approach to cricket development. It is indicative of their determination to transform Jammu and Kashmir into a cricketing powerhouse. In recent times, the JKCA senior men’s team had already made headlines by touring Tamil Nadu for the prestigious Buchi Babu Invitational Cricket Tournament, while the U-23 Men’s team is eagerly gearing up to participate in the JP Attray Memorial Cricket Tournament at Chandigarh, commencing from September 20, 2023. Brig (Retd) Gupta also informed that JKCA U16 team will also participate in the Shri Balram Das Tandon Memorial Cricket Tournament organised by Chandigarh Cricket Association. It is a BCCI approved tournament wherein teams from 12 states will be participating. It will be an excellent preparation for the forthcoming Vijay Merchant Trophy. As cricket enthusiasts across the region eagerly await the historic practice matches, the spotlight shines brightly on JKCA, its players, and the promise of a brighter cricketing future for Jammu and Kashmir.
