JKCA’s U-23 open trials begin at SK Stadium in Srinagar

Srinagar, May 19: The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) kicked off its Under-23 open trials at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar on Monday, witnessing an encouraging turnout of nearly 100 aspiring cricketers from the South Zone districts, including Srinagar.

As per the officials at JKCA, the trials, which will run from May 19 to 21, are being conducted zone-wise with participants from Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, and Srinagar opening on the opening day. According to officials, the process is being supervised by a three-member selection panel—two selectors from Jammu and one from Srinagar.

“These are open trials, but all participants are required to produce a valid digital Date of Birth (DoB) certificate, an updated PVC Aadhaar card, and a PAN card to be eligible,” said one of the JKCA officials overseeing the trials.

JKCA officials said that selectors will first conduct a round of assessments, following which shortlisted players will be tested further. The goal, officials said, is to ensure that the most promising talent is filtered through a transparent and merit-based system.

JKCA officials said that all those intending to participate in trials must report by 8:45 AM on the day of their trial.

As per the official schedule for trails, May 19 is dedicated to players from South Zone Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, and Srinagar. May 20 will cover North Zone Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, and Srinagar. May 21 is reserved for Central Zone Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Budgam, and May 22 has been marked as a Reserve Day.

The officials added that due to high participation from Jammu and Srinagar in previous years, players from these districts are permitted to attend on any of the scheduled days, adding that priority will be given to players from the designated districts.