Srinagar, Jan 28, KNT: Jammu is set to witness a vibrant sporting revival as the Department of Youth Services and Sports, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, prepares to launch the YSS JKSC Football Premier League and the YSS JKSC Cricket League, promising weeks of competitive action in the winter capital.
The twin leagues will be held at two key venues, with football matches scheduled at the Synthetic Turf Football Ground, Parade, and cricket fixtures to be played at the historic MA Stadium. Officials said the initiative aims to revive professional level cricket and football tournaments in Jammu and provide a strong platform for local talent.
A spokesperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council said the leagues are a much needed step towards strengthening grassroots and competitive sports in the region. He said organising committees and sub committees comprising former national and international players, referees, umpires, coaches, club owners and JKSC officials have been constituted to ensure professional conduct of matches.
The Football Premier League will mark the return of top level football to the heart of the city, while the Cricket League will signal the comeback of major cricketing action at MA Stadium. According to officials, the football league will feature 41 matches, while 39 matches are planned in cricket, with the final match structure to be decided after finalisation of teams.
All matches will be conducted strictly as per FIFA and AIFF rules in football and ICC and BCCI regulations in cricket. Emphasis has been laid on promoting local players, with only permanent resident players from the Jammu Division allowed to participate. However, in cricket, a maximum of five outstation players per team will be permitted.
Officials said grand opening and closing ceremonies will be organised, matches will be played under floodlights, and live telecast will be carried on social media platforms to attract wider viewership. AIFF accredited referees and BCCI certified umpires will officiate the matches, while the Sports Council will also arrange logistics, medical facilities, trophies and other essentials.
It is expected that large crowds will return to the stands at Parade and MA Stadium, as the twin leagues are being seen as a significant boost for athletes and sports enthusiasts, and a renewed push to bring competitive sport back into Jammu’s public sporting spaces. [KNT]
