Frosty Fun | Snow cricket takes centre stage on Gurez's frozen pitches

Bandipora, Feb 7: The residents of Gurez Valley in north Kashmir's Bandipora district have welcomed sunny skies after recent heavy snowfall. The clearing weather has brought great joy to the locals, especially the youth who have taken the opportunity to play cricket on the frozen pitches and snow-covered fields.

With breathtaking views of snowy peaks and the majestic Habba Khatoon mountain range in the backdrop, the scene of young Kashmiris playing cricket in the snow is truly picturesque. On Wednesday, cricket matches were held in the village of Mastan in Dawar, organised by the Indian Army as part of a local cricket league.

"It was the Indian army which has organised the league," said resident Aijaz Ahmad.

The cricket games have brought excitement to the valley, which just days ago was under heavy snowfall. Now, with azure skies overhead, the sounds of bats hitting balls have returned to the mountain slopes. For the enthusiastic youth of Gurez, this is a chance to enjoy their favourite sport against the stunning vistas of their homeland.

He said more such tournaments will be organised by the local youth in the coming days as has been a tradition in the Gurez Valley.

"But now the smartphones add to the craze as it helps attract more tourists to the place as pictures and videos are constantly shared on social media," Ahmad said.

He added more youth are attracted to cricket and helps keep "physically fit as harsh weather otherwise mostly restrict us to our homes with little to do."

With Gurez -Bandipora road closed for traffic, the authorities have pressed helicopter services to lift those with medical or any other emergencies, students, locals, and employees posted or transferred from Gurez.

Authorities said seven sorties, six for Dawar and one for Tulail have been arranged. They said the single-engine helicopter was not able to fly to Gurez before Tuesday.

Control room officials informed that around 37 passengers were lifted from Bandipora to Dawar, Badugam, and PTL on Wednesday. Also once lady patient was airlifted as an emergency evacuee from PTL to Bandipora.

Since Tuesday 108 passengers have been lifted to and fro from Bandipora and Gurez, officials said, these include 35 passengers from Bandipora to Dawar and Badugam and vice versa.

Authorities hope the service will continue and also lift those travelers who want to travel to Gurez in winter, sometime later.

Meanwhile, officials said the BRO has started to clear Bandipora-Gurez road to open it for traffic, however, the process is challenging and is often delayed due to inclement weather and snow slides.