The unstopable rise of Kashmir’s IPL

Srinagar, Apr 15: In the heart of Srinagar’s bustling Dalgate area, where cricket once lived in quiet alleys and local rivalries, a game-changing league has been making waves — Kashmir's very own version of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Spearheaded by a locally established sports club—Dalgate Sports Club, this initiative is transforming the region’s cricketing landscape with a structure that mimics the IPL model down to the last cue card and LED screen.

I sat down with Emraan Bhatt, the founder of the club and one of the brains behind the league, to understand how a small community initiative blossomed into one of the biggest cricketing platforms in Jammu and Kashmir.

Q: Emraan, what sparked the idea of Kashmir’s IPL-styled tournament?

We started in 2020, just after COVID.” “There was talent everywhere from Kulgam to Baramulla, but no stage. So we built one. And in 2022, we introduced a live commercial auction. That season, over 5 lakh people watched us online.

In building this platform, the club began by contacting thousands of players.

We had access to a massive pool — around 20,000 players. We personally reached out to nearly 7,000–8,000 of them. From there, we shortlisted around 1,500 players from within J&K alone.

Each player was asked to register through a simple Google form, from which the organising team compiled detailed cricketing profiles.

We classified them — batsmen, bowlers, wicket-keepers, and all-rounders. We collected statistics, verified performance data, and identified talent.

Q: Talk us through how the auction process works. How similar is it to the IPL?

Very similar, Bhat smiles. We have a third-party software — Super Player Auction, which we use on an LED screen. We randomly run software to flash registered players on-screen. Franchise owners, their consultants, and icon players then bid in real-time. The highest bidder wins the player.

Each team has a budget of around Rs 2.5 lakh to spend on 22 players (excluding 4 icon players). Base prices are set in consultation with franchises. From big names like Parvez Rasool and Adil Reshi to rising stars from Kulgam or Baramulla, every player goes under the virtual hammer.

Q: Who are these franchise owners, and how do they support the league?

Most are from local businesses — carpet exporters, construction companies, and even sports enthusiasts who have played themselves. These are not corporations. They are people with a heart for cricket.

Teams like Hamdan Hurricanes, Dadoo Rangers, Sultan Warriors Baramulla, and Elegant Strikers are among the league’s top franchises, backing players with kits, travel support, refreshments, and even modest salaries.

Q: And the numbers? What does a player typically earn?

The earnings vary depending on experience and popularity.

Icon players like Parvez Rasool or Adil Reshi can fetch over Rs 10,000 per match. Emerging or regular players receive around Rs 1,500–2,000 per match, plus travel and food. Under-19 players are now mandatory in every squad and required to feature in the playing XI.

We have had players who travel to Mumbai, Hyderabad, and even Karnataka for matches because they were spotted in our broadcasts.

Q: How do you manage funding such a large tournament with no government support?

Each franchise pays Rs 1.2 lakh as a participation fee. That money is pooled to cover everything — match balls, umpires, broadcasting teams, refreshments, and customised trophies. The winner walks away with a Rs 5 lakh cash prize, while runners-up and individual performers also take home awards.

We are a no-profit model. Every penny is accounted for. Last season, we even handcrafted trophies from walnut wood, copper, and papier-mâché — celebrating Kashmiri artistry.

Q: You still play on mats. Why not turf wickets?

“That’s our biggest challenge,” Bhatt says.

Repeated requests to JKCA for access to turf grounds have gone unheard. We’ve written, emailed, and even invited JKCA officials to be chief guests. Nothing. But other tournaments are held at the JKCA ground. That tells you everything.

Despite interest from national-level players and franchises in Delhi and Bangalore, many decline to participate because matches are played on matting wickets. “Matt cricket doesn’t showcase true skill,” Bhatt admits. We’re now planning to build our own turf from member contributions.

Q: When is the next season scheduled?

The fifth season is expected to begin in early May 2025 and will be played at a single ground — ideally on a newly laid turf if things go according to plan.

Over 400 players will participate this season, including stars from across India like Arun Chaprana, Abid Mushtaq, Manish Sharma, and Ahmad Bande (a county cricketer). And the excitement is high.

Q: Final thoughts?

I feel privileged when a player from Kulgam gets a call to play in Bangalore. That’s success for us. We didn’t wait for the system — we became the system. This league is not just about cricket. It’s about creating dreams,” says Bhatt.