But Unfortunately Overlooked by Neglectful Administration
Suhail Khan
It’s not England, it’s not New Zealand – it’s a local cricket ground in Sopore, a town in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. However, despite the tall claims of the government regarding the achievements in boosting sports and sports infrastructure, this hidden gem remains largely unnoticed due to a neglectful attitude of the administration.
Surrounded by Kashmiri willow trees, the stadium’s boundary is formed naturally by a clearing among the verdant foliage. It’s a fitting tribute to Kashmir’s renowned willow, which produces some of the finest cricket bats in the world.
Locals of Sopore told The Web Story/The Varmul Post that despite its potential, the stadium remains undeveloped.
“The lack of investment and infrastructure has hindered its progress,” they said.
Many believe that if properly developed, the Sopore Stadium could rival the best stadiums in the country.
Locals allege that development in Sopore often seems limited to the glitz of TV studios and the headlines of newspapers.
This Sopore cricket ground has immense potential, yet it remains underutilized,” said Arshad Ahmad, a local cricket enthusiast while talking to The Web Story/ The Varmul Post. “If properly developed and maintained, it could become a hub for sports and community activities, offering a much-needed recreational space for the people of Sopore and the surrounding areas.”
He said this could be a game changer for thousands of people living around this beautiful cricket ground if the government wishes to take care of it.
The locals of Tarzoo village, in conversation with The Web Story/The Varmul Post, expressed their hope that one day this beautiful cricket ground will receive the attention and investment it deserves.
They said that they are hopeful it will be transformed into a beacon of sporting excellence in Kashmir and beyond.
The locals stated that they are confident the way the Government, especially the Iron Lady Secretary of the J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gull, has changed the sports scenario in the Union Territory, will definitely look into this ground and provide the necessary support and development it needs.
The Wular Premier League, named after the largest freshwater body of the world, is already famous across India, and cricketers from across Kashmir, including big names, are participating in this league every year.
Abdul Subhan Rather , the man behind the Wular Premier League, told The Web Story/The Varmul Post that their motive in organizing the state-level tournaments at this beautiful ground is to engage the youth towards a good cause.
By engaging the youth in sports, they want to provide them with a platform and hone their innate talent, besides saving them from substance abuse.
Subhan, however, said that the administration has completely overlooked the poor infrastructure of the playfield in this beautiful ground.
“Despite the popularity of sports in Kashmir, the relevant authorities have failed to upgrade the available infrastructure. The infrastructure of the playfield is poor, as it does not have well-maintained changing rooms for players, washrooms, and cannot accommodate more people. The seating arrangements at the ground have often irked the spectators,” he added.
