Srinagar Welcomes Back Top-Tier Cricket With Historic Irani Cup Showdown

Top-tier cricket is set to make a historic return to Srinagar after nearly four decades as the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium prepares to host the prestigious Irani Cup showdown. The high-profile fixture marks the most significant red-ball cricket showcase staged in Jammu and Kashmir in generations, following the state team's historic maiden Ranji Trophy triumph last season after a 67-year wait.

The Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium last hosted top-level international fixtures in the 1980s. On October 13, 1983, it staged an ODI between India and the West Indies, followed by an ODI between India and Australia on September 9, 1986. Since then, major premier cricket matches in the Kashmir Valley had largely disappeared from the national calendar.

Major Venue Upgrades Completed

To prepare the stadium for five days of top-tier domestic red-ball action and live broadcast coverage, the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) carried out extensive upgrades following a recce by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials.

Majid Dar, Head of Cricket Operations at JKCA, detailed the comprehensive work done to bring the ground up to standard:

"Basically, this ground was not meant for live matches, but the BCCI had already sent a team for a recce in advance, one-and-a-half months back. They gave us a checklist of certain requirements like broadcasting rooms, camera towers, and a few other things. We were able to fulfill those requirements on time, and we are ready to host the match."

Dar emphasized the permanence and quality of the installations, noting that the new facilities were constructed to support future premier fixtures in the region.

"The broadcasting room was not there earlier, so we created a broadcasting room in a short span of time. These structures are not makeshift, they are built to stay as we have two live games scheduled. We have also set up dedicated rooms for match officials, renovated the dressing rooms, and erected TV towers required for the live broadcast," Dar added.

Expanded Capacity and Regulated Entry

To cater to the surge in spectator interest while maintaining strict crowd control and security, the venue's seating capacity has been doubled from around 2,500 to 5,000.

Passes are being distributed free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis upon Aadhaar or valid identity verification to ensure a structured and secure environment for spectators.

"This is history. Such a big event is taking place after three to four decades. It is a massive boost for cricket lovers and cricketers of the Valley. We are very excited to host the Irani Trophy for the first time," Dar said.