TURF OF DREAMS: Man behind Kupwara’s turf cricket revival

Srinagar, Jun 11: On a quiet patch of land in Panditpora, Kupwara, where cows once grazed and the ground bore no sporting marks, Muzaffar Ahmad is building something extraordinary, a proper cricket turf. Not with bigger machines or any government funding—but with borrowed money, personal resolve, and an unshakeable belief that North Kashmir's boys deserve better.

“Building this turf is hard, demanding, and expensive. But our boys must know what it feels like to play on a surface used in professional cricket,” says Muzaffar.

Muzaffar, known to many as “Bhat Musa”, is the chairman of the Ramhall Cricket League, a volunteer-led annual tournament that this year will host 32 teams. But the tournament’s bigger story is its transition—from makeshift matting cricket to a fully playable turf ground.

“We have sourced 600 feet of sand, 600 feet of crushed stone, and quality clay soil,” Muzaffar explains. “Our curator, who earlier worked with the JKCA, is helping us, and we’re building two wickets—one to rest while the other is played on.”

The project will take about at least next 15 days to complete. “We are around 15 people that include Khan Tawseef Asif, Rather Zahoor Mir, Riyaz Ahmad Mir and others managing this—from preparations to matchday coverage,” he says.

A Shift Born of Necessity

In one of the editions, league drew over 30,000 spectators and breaking live-streaming viewership records with 26,000 online watchers. Players from Jammu, Punjab, and even Delhi came to participate. But this year, the Galizoo venue became unavailable after an administrative twist.

“We had all the necessary permissions—from the DC, SSP, and Youth Services Officer,” Muzaffar recounts. “But suddenly, another group was allowed to use the ground for three more months. So we had to shift to Panditpora.

For many, that would have meant postponement or even cancellation. But for Muzaffar, it was motivation.

“We didn’t want the league to suffer. I went out, scouted grounds, hired a roller, and started building from scratch. We had to take loans again,” he says, referring to the loan he also took last year to finance the tournament. “This is all for the boys of Kupwara.”

The Making of a Turf Evangelist

Muzaffar’s journey to becoming North Kashmir’s unofficial cricket developer has roots in his struggles as a cricketer.

“I used to think I was a good player,” he smiles. “But back then, we never got to play on turf. I remember slipping on turf wickets during matches outside the district because we had no exposure.”

Things changed after a visit to Jalandhar, where Muzaffar played on professional turf. “It changed my perspective. Turf teaches discipline. It elevates your game. If our boys dream of the Ranji Trophy or IPL, they need to be comfortable on turf.”

He credits the likes of Parvez Rasool, J&K’s star cricketer, for inspiring him. “Parvez Bhai has always supported the idea of better infrastructure.

North’s Untapped Talent

Muzaffar believes Kupwara district has raw cricketing gold—it just needs polish. “We don’t lack talent,” he says emphatically. “I can say confidently that what we have in Kupwara isn’t found elsewhere. But we are behind South Kashmir in infrastructure. South is 70% ahead because they have more icons and better exposure.”

Despite that, Ramhall has always punched above its weight. “Fifteen years ago, our team represented all of North Kashmir in the state police tournament. Even now, many district players have emerged from Ramhall. Yet, we have received no sustained support,” he laments.

This year, teams from Pulwama, Anantnag, Baramulla, Jammu, and even outside states have confirmed participation. “This isn’t just a Kupwara event anymore—it’s turning into a Valley-wide sporting festival,” Muzaffar says.

A League That’s More Than Cricket

The Ramhall Cricket League, held annually, is more than just a tournament. It has become a symbol of youth aspiration in a region often overlooked when it comes to sports development.

“We broke viewership records last year without any corporate support,” Muzaffar says. “Imagine what we could do with even a fraction of institutional help.”

Muzaffar is not just running a league—he’s building a community. “We give players meals, live commentary, and proper documentation,” he says. “This is about respect and recognition.”

To the many who still promote matting cricket, Muzaffar has a message, “Matting is easier, sure. But real cricket happens on turf. Yes, it’s difficult to make, but once you do it, the difference is visible in the way your boys play.”

Looking Ahead

With the turf nearing completion and the league’s 4th edition about to kick off, Muzaffar remains hopeful.

“We’ve started something, and I believe it’ll spread. Today we have turf in Bijbehara and JKCA. Tomorrow, we will have it in Kupwara, Handwara, and Karnah,” he says.

He may not be a bureaucrat, politician, or cricketer with medals—but on the dusty, uneven lands of Panditpora, Muzaffar Ahmad is doing something more powerful, building hope, one pitch at a time.