Our Correspondent
Islamabad: Sardar Masood Khan, President Azad Jammu and Kashmir, has said that the launch of the Kashmir Premier League (KSL) will play an important role in the bringing AJK’s youth into the cricketing mainstream of Pakistan and provide the young talent of AJK with a quality platform through which they can showcase their skills to the world.
The President made these remarks during the launch event of the Kashmir Premier League (KPL). The event was also addressed by Chairman Kashmir Committee Shehryar Khan Afridi, cricket superstar Shahid Afridi, coaching expert Azhar Mahmood, President KPL Arif Malik and CEO KPL Chaudhry Shehzad Akhtar.
Speaking on the occasion, the AJK President praised the dynamic role of Chairman Kashmir Committee and his team for making the launch of KPL possible. He said that this league will bring Kashmir on the global sporting map.
The AJK President, as the Patron-in-Chief of the KPL, said that this league is a powerful platform that will help promote Azad Kashmir, the local talent and also portray the true image of peace and prosperity witnessed in AJK. He added that with the launch of KPL it is pertinent that requisite steps be taken to make this league a national and international success.
Masood Khan was hopeful that in the near future all 10 districts of AJK will be represented in the KPL. He said that up-gradation of requisite infrastructure in all AJK venues – located in Muzaffarabad and Mirpur – will be a priority of the AJK Government. He said the AJK Ministry of Sports, the AJK people along with all stakeholders will also actively participate in making the league a source of pride for the AJK and Pakistan.
President AJK said that by setting up special selection camps all over AJK, the true talent of the Kashmiri youth will be promoted and they would also get a chance to display their skill and competence alongside national and international players.
Sardar Masood said that Pakistan is incomplete without Kashmir and Kashmir is incomplete without Pakistan and the hearts of the people of these two areas beat together. He said that the game of cricket is a tool for promoting peace bringing the people from all over closer and paving the way for love and harmony. “Such a conducive environment will lead to the promotion of values for justice. Sports are all about fair play”, said the President. The Kashmir Premier League is a T20 format with a total 6 teams – Rawalakot Hawks, Kotli Panthers, Mirpur Royals, Muzaffarabad Tigers, Overseas Warriors and Bagh Stallions. The tournament will start in 2021 with a majority of the matches being played in Azad Kashmir at Muzaffarabad, Mirpur and also in Rawalpindi.