Glory for Kashmir Downtown in England’s Shahe-e-Hamdan Cricket Tournament

Srinagar, July 18: The inaugural Shah-e-Hamadan Cricket Tournament, held across the Midlands region of England, concluded on a high note with Kashmir Downtown Cricket Club emerging as the champions after a nail-biting final against Kashmir Qalandars.According to a statement issued here, spanning from May to July, the tournament featured six Kashmiri diaspora teams–Kashmir Downtown, Kashmir Qalandars, Kashmir Midlands, Kasheer Shahzads, Northern Tabardars and Solihull Shaheens.The final, hosted at Bentley Cricket Club Ground, near Sheffield, witnessed a packed gathering of nearly 100 members of the Kashmiri community. Supporters came together not only to enjoy the cricketing action but to reconnect and celebrate their shared culture and identity. Traditional Nun Chai was served as welcome tea, followed by an array of rice-based Kashmiri dishes for lunch.In a dramatic final, Kashmir Qalandars posted a strong total of 185 for 5 in their allotted 35 overs. But Kashmir Downtown rose to the challenge, chasing down the target with 189 for 4, sealing victory with just two balls to spare and six wickets in hand. The match was a thriller from start to finish, with momentum swinging back and forth. In the end, Downtown’s composure under pressure proved decisive. The winning runs were struck in the penultimate delivery, sparking jubilant celebrations among players and supporters alike.The tournament not only showcased sporting talent but also strengthened community bonds. With exclusively Kashmiri players participating, the event served as a unifying platform for the diaspora in England—blending athletic excellence with a rich display of cultural heritage. Organisers and participants hailed the tournament as a resounding success, vowing to return next year with even more energy, passion and community involvement.