Catching Them Young: JKCA’s new playbook for cricket in J&K

Srinagar, Aug 5: Dressed in white uniforms, cricket players not more than 14 years old stepped onto the field, all eyes on them from selectors, coaches, and school heads. This was the final match of the inaugural U-14 Inter-School Cricket Tournament, organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA). “This tournament is different. We faced very good teams and learnt how to play professional cricket. Earlier we played only in local matches, where players rarely went ahead. This gave us real exposure,” said Rouhan

Watching from the sidelines, principals and parents nodded in agreement. Riyaz Katjoo, Principal of Green Valley Educational Institute, called the event a ‘turning point’ for grassroots cricket in the Valley. “This is the best thing that could happen to under-14 players. Playing 25-over matches on turf wickets with red balls, this is rare. Schools must now take the next step,” he said, urging educational institutions to develop cricket infrastructure. “JKCA is even ready to help schools maintain pitches. It’s a great offer, we must act on it.”

A Long-Awaited Leap

For Brig Anil Gupta, Member of the BCCI Sub-Committee for JKCA, the tournament was the realisation of a long-pending dream. “We had this U-14 tournament in mind for two to three years, but events overtook us. This year we said, Come what may, we will go through with it.”

The JKCA invited schools across Jammu and Kashmir, handpicked young talent, and formed two teams each in Jammu and Srinagar — JKCA Leopards and JKCA Tigers. The plan was not just about hosting matches but to lay the foundation for a feeder system for U-16 and U-19 teams. “We want to catch them young, identify potential, and give them the right exposure early,” Gupta said.

The final saw JKCA Leopards defeating DPS Srinagar by seven wickets.

Building a Transparent System

Gupta said that JKCA has taken several steps to restore credibility and fairness in selections. One key move has been publishing the entire shortlist of trial participants online. “From day one, we said transparency and fairness will be our mantra,” Gupta said. “There is no regionalism, no bias. If you are talented, you will get your chance.”

He took a swipe at some players who criticised the trials system but skipped them altogether. “How can someone claim it is unfair without even appearing. Some volunteered and never turned up. And then they start commenting from the sidelines.”

Still Waiting for a Home Ground

While talent is pouring in, infrastructure remains a weak spot. “Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium is on lease from the government, not owned by JKCA. BCCI rules say they can only invest in association-owned properties,” Gupta pointed out. Gupta, however, added that talks were underway for new grounds in north Kashmir’s Bandipora and Narwal, and negotiations with Kashmir University did not materialise.

Surprisingly, he noted, “Kashmir has slightly better cricket infrastructure than Jammu.” He credited the J&K Sports Council for improved cooperation this year.

What Comes Next

With this tournament marking a successful debut, JKCA is now eyeing more. Gupta said conversations are underway with cricket bodies in Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal for a possible North Zone U-14 tournament.

For the players, the benefits have already begun to show. Rouhan, the promising batter from DPS, said the experience boosted his confidence. “If I get another chance in such tournaments, I will always give my best. JKCA is helping us improve and move forward,” he said.

As the sun dipped, the tournament came to a close, boys in white kits started packing up with a mission to play for JKCA in upcoming BCCI domestic events—U-16 and U-19.