BIG JKPL 2025–26: RGCC, Valley Stars Ganderbal advance to finals

Jammu, Jan 5: High-voltage action marked the semi-final stage of the HexaMed BIG Jammu Kashmir Premier League (BIG JKPL) 2025–26, organised by 92.7 BIG FM, as Royal Goodwill Cricket Club and Valley Stars Ganderbal registered contrasting yet emphatic victories to book their places in the grand final at the University of Jammu Ground. A huge crowd witnessed the semi-final matches, with cricket enthusiasts thronging the venue and creating an electrifying atmosphere throughout the day.

The league, as per a statement, is being conducted with the support of HexaMed Diagnostics as the Title Partner, CT University as the Powered By Partner, Kanwal Spices and Oxford Hospital as the Associate Partners, JK Sports Time as the Live Streaming Partner, and Pepsi as the Beverage Partner.

In the first semi-final, Royal Goodwill Cricket Club displayed exceptional resilience to edge past Sultan Warriors Baramulla by 11 runs in a nail-biting encounter. After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Royal Goodwill struggled against disciplined bowling and were bowled out for 104 runs in 18.2 overs.

Imtiyaz Lefty stood tall under pressure, scoring a crucial 45 runs off 38 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes, to give his side a fighting total.

Defending the modest target, Royal Goodwill produced a remarkable bowling performance. Gowher Leggy emerged as the game-changer, returning impressive figures of 3 wickets for 16 runs in 4 overs, earning him the Player of the Match award. He was ably supported by Rithik Singh (2/18), Rouf Bashir (2/9) and Jehangir Lone (2/10), who maintained relentless pressure on the batting side.

In reply, Sultan Warriors Baramulla were bundled out for 93 runs in 18.5 overs. Asim Bashir (20) and Arjun Singh (16) offered brief resistance, but the disciplined bowling attack ensured Royal Goodwill sealed a thrilling victory to secure their spot in the final.

The second semi-final witnessed a dominant all-round display by Valley Stars Ganderbal, who outclassed Tiles and Bath Cricket Club. Batting first, Valley Stars posted 129/9 in 20 overs, with skipper Nadeem Dar leading from the front with a composed 46 off 44 balls*, while Danish Muzaffar contributed 34 runs.

In response, Tiles and Bath CC collapsed under sustained bowling pressure and were bowled out for just 67 runs in 12.1 overs. Samar spearheaded the bowling attack with 4 wickets for 17 runs, while Bhagmender Lather delivered an impactful spell, claiming 3 wickets for 18 runs. For his decisive performance, Bhagmender Lather was adjudged the Man of the Match.

Also present on the occasion were Vikrant Sharma, Cluster Head North, 92.7 BIG FM, RJ Juhie, Morning Show Host, along with Ahmer Ikhlaq and Sahil Choudhary, who expressed gratitude to the officials, media, sponsors and spectators for their continued support.

With both finalists decided, the BIG JKPL 2025–26 now heads towards an exciting climax, promising a thrilling finale for cricket lovers across the region.