In the verdant valleys of Kashmir, where cricket is more than just a sport, the passion for the game is reaching new heights.
The excitement for cricket in the region, already fervent, has intensified with the ongoing T20 World Championship, currently being played across various locations in the United States and West Indies.
This has resonated deeply within the local communities, where cricket matches are drawing unprecedented crowds and inspiring the youth.
Waseem Ibni Bilal, a promising cricketer from the far flung village of Abhama in Pulwama, shared that the cricket fever has extended beyond the bustling towns and into the serene, remote areas of the region.
“Cricket has always been a unifying force here, but now, with the international matches igniting excitement, even the most secluded places are buzzing with activity,” he said.
One such example is the Namblan Knockout tournament, held in the picturesque meadow of Namblan within the Romeshi range of the Shopian forest division.
This tournament, featuring 16 teams from Shopian, Pulwama, and Budgam districts, has become a symbol of the region’s undying love for cricket.
Irshad Ahmad, the organizer of the Namblan Knockout tournament, announced that the final match will be played this Sunday, a much-anticipated event for the local cricket fans.
The tournament has brought together teams from various districts, showcasing the diverse talent that exists in the region.
“It’s incredible to see how cricket has brought together people from different backgrounds and areas,” Ahmad said, adding that the excitement is palpable and the energy on the field is electric.
Yawar Rashid, another young cricketer from Abhama, described Namblan as a hidden gem that has become a focal point for cricketing activities.
“Namblan is a breath-taking pasture, just a 45-minute walk from our village,” he said, adding that every cricket season, teams from different areas come here not only to play but also to enjoy the serene beauty of the place.
He described that the meadow, shaped like a natural amphitheatre, is dotted with rustic huts made of wooden logs and mud, typically used by the Nomadic Gujjars and Bakerwals during the summer.
He added that the Namblan meadow, nestled within the Romeshi Range of the Shopian Forest Division, has significantly influenced the traditional lifestyles of the Gujjars and Bakerwals.
“These nomadic communities, who traditionally rely on cattle grazing, are now finding new economic opportunities thanks to the influx of cricket enthusiasts,” he said.
Yawar narrated that in recent years, small shops have sprung up in the area, offering refreshments and snacks to visitors.
“There are even discussions among locals about starting catering services, which could greatly improve the economic conditions of the Gujjars and Bakerwals,” he said.
Waseem told Rising Kashmir that Namblan is not just about cricket.
“The meadow is also home to a sulphur spring known as Tata Paani, believed to have healing properties for joint pains and skin infections,” he said, adding that people come here for cricket, but they also visit for the hot springs and the traditional dairy products that the area is famous for.
“We have delicious traditional beverishes made from cow milk, and delicacies like Gurus, butter, ghee, and the famous Kalari (Moeshi Krej).”
Namblan’s unique location at the confluence of Shopian, Pulwama, and Budgam districts, situated between the popular tourist destinations of Yusmarg and Dubjan, makes it an ideal spot for both sports and leisure.
Yawar said from the Kandpathri area of Sangerwani village cricketers tread a steep path on foot to reach Namblan, which demonstrates their love for this new destination discovered for the sport and the fun some years ago.
