CPL 2025 set to begin July 21 with 64 teams across Kashmir

Baramulla, Jul 19: The stage is set for the Chinar Premier League (CPL)-2025, a mega cricketing event that will kick off on July 21 in Baramulla, featuring 64 teams from across Kashmir in its first-ever pan-Valley edition.

The matches, as per the officials, will be played on a knockout basis.

The matches will be played at two venues – Bipin Rawat Stadium and Prof Showkat Ali Stadium Khoja Bagh Baramulla – from July 21 to August 23 of 2025. Notably, earlier the event used to be held at the district level – the Baramulla Premier League. But this year, for the first time, it will be a pan-Kashmir tournament with the participation of teams from all the 10 districts of Kashmir.

For cricket enthusiasts, the event is stated to be a platform for unity, empowerment, and peace building.

"Earlier the event used to be a local event, but now it has transformed into a premier sporting event in Baramulla. We are so enthusiastic to showcase our talent in the tournament," said a cricketer, Zubair Ahmad Dar, who is also General Secretary of Baramulla Cricket Forum (BCF).

He said CPL will play a pivotal role in providing a platform to the budding cricketers across the Valley. "It is indeed an opportunity for the budding cricketers to prove their skill and participate in the Pan Kashmir tournament," he said.

Dar said this year, the matches will be played under two age groups – U-19 and U-23. "We are happy to be part of this event. It will give a boost to the local talent and encourage the budding cricketers as well," he said.

Noted commentator and cricketer Kifayat Aftab said the tournament was a good opportunity for the cricketers. "As teams across Kashmir are participating in it, this tournament will help the teams to assess their performance in comparison with the teams of other districts," Aftab said.

He said post events like CPL (erstwhile BPL), the passion for cricket drastically increased among youth.

"Such platforms infused interest and passion for cricket among youth," he said. As the tournament is set to begin on July 21 of 2025, the youngsters are excited as the cricket fever has gripped the area. The event is being organised by the Indian Army, in coordination with local civil stakeholders.