Bandipora, Jan 14: The Gurez Valley in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district is once again filled with the sounds of cricket as the traditional winter sport of Snow Cricket makes a grand comeback.
The frozen fields, surrounded by snow-covered mountains, have become the canvas for a thrilling display of sportsmanship, as local youth come together to celebrate the unique fusion of cricket and snow.
Snow Cricket in Gurez Valley first gained global attention when Australian cricketer Marnus Labuschagne shared a video of young cricketers playing the sport on the icy pitches of Gurez on his Twitter handle. The video, with the caption, “How good is that,” not only captivated the cricketing world but also became a source of inspiration for Gurez’s youth. The sight of cricketers playing on the snow brought attention to the potential of Gurez as a unique destination for winter sports and adventure activities.
The viral video was a testament to the growing excitement for Snow Cricket and its potential to become a major part of the gurez’s winter tourism. The international acknowledgment gave a sense of pride to the youth of Gurez, motivating them to continue their efforts in organizing tournaments that showcase the beauty and potential of this winter sport.
In Gurez, local residents, especially from the Dawar area, have been instrumental in reviving Snow Cricket by organizing annual tournaments which are held on frozen snowfields, offering a stunning view of the snow-capped mountains that surround the border valley. The breathtaking scenery, coupled with the unique nature of the sport, has contributed to the growing popularity of Snow Cricket among the locals.
The village youth, equipped with makeshift cricket gear, play with enthusiasm and energy, despite the harsh winter conditions. The pitch, made of packed snow, presents a challenging surface for the players, adding an element of excitement and unpredictability to the game. The youth have become skilled in playing on snow-covered grounds, developing their own techniques to adapt to the slippery and uneven surface.
A local social activist, Arshid Lone told Rising Kashmir that Gurez has the potential to be transformed into a winter sports hub. The valley, with its breathtaking beauty and long snowy season, offers the perfect setting for winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and of course, Snow Cricket. However, the lack of proper infrastructure and administrative support has hindered the full development of winter sports in the valley.
Arshid said that Gurez remains snow-covered for almost six months of the year, providing ample opportunities to host various winter sports activities. He believes that with the right infrastructure and support from the government, Gurez could attract tourists seeking unique winter sports experiences.
He suggested that Gurez could host national and international tournaments, bringing both exposure and tourism to the area.
Every year, the youth in Gurez continue to organize Snow Cricket tournaments in an effort to raise awareness about the valley’s potential and to attract both local and international visitors which has garnered attention and support from various quarters, and there is a growing recognition of Gurez as an untapped winter sports destination.
Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Manzoor Qadri told Rising Kashmir that the Youth Services and Sports Department has provided snow skiing equipment to the youth of Gurez to encourage their participation in winter sports.
The gesture is part of a larger effort to promote winter sports among the local population and to position Gurez as a prominent destination for winter sports tourism.
