• Shikhar Dhawan, Parveez Rasool named marquee players
• Kashmir has the talent; challenge is to identify and nurture it: Aakash Chopra
• League to begin in Srinagar in March 2027
Srinagar| Sept, 6: Kashmir is set to host the second season of the Pro Star Cricket League (PSCL), with former India opener Shikhar Dhawan and Jammu and Kashmir cricket icon Parveez Rasool announced as the league’s marquee players, even as former cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra said the region has enough talent to produce India’s next fast-bowling star.
Organised by VAMA Sports Private Limited, PSCL Season 2 will begin in the first week of March 2027 in Srinagar before moving to Dehradun, where the grand finale will be played.
Chopra, who has been named League Commissioner for the season, said Jammu and Kashmir possesses quality players but lacks adequate opportunities and platforms to help them progress.
“I hope that the next fast bowler that we get will also come from here. Till now, we are not able to catch him. But he is here somewhere,” Chopra said at a press conference in Srinagar.
The former India cricketer said the region’s victory in the Ranji Trophy had demonstrated its cricketing potential and should now be followed by greater investment in local talent.
“J&K won the Ranji Trophy. I am sure it is a proud moment for every Kashmiri. It is very difficult to win the Ranji Trophy,” he said.
Chopra said he had played against Jammu and Kashmir during his career and had seen quality among its players.
“There is quality but there are no opportunities. So, that’s what we are trying to do. We are trying to bring opportunities,” he said.
The league, its organisers said, is aimed at identifying and nurturing emerging cricket talent from across India while giving young players an opportunity to train and compete alongside experienced former international cricketers.
Dhawan said the tournament would allow young cricketers from Jammu and Kashmir to rub shoulders with former international players and learn from their experience.
Chopra also pointed to the wider ecosystem around cricket, saying the growth of the game could create employment opportunities for coaches, support staff, logistics managers, broadcasters and other professionals.
“Kashmir has everything in the ecosystem,” he said, also highlighting the region’s long association with cricket through the production of Kashmir willow bats.
“We have seen the willow; now we want to see talent in Kashmir,” Chopra said, referring to players such as Umran Malik, Abid Nabi and Parveez Rasool.
The league will be owned by sports entrepreneurs Akash Gupta and Mayank Gupta. Its organisers said the involvement of Dhawan, Rasool and Chopra would strengthen the tournament’s effort to provide emerging players with professional exposure.
Dhawan was also seen in Gulmarg with his wife Sophia ahead of the Srinagar interaction. The former India opener took a gondola ride to Kongdoori, clicked photographs and shot reels, and later played golf in Srinagar.
Chopra, meanwhile, advised aspiring broadcasters to develop their own identity rather than imitate others.
“Understand the game. Live the game. And just don’t follow anyone. Create your own personality. Your own style,” he said.
