Cricket fever in Kashmir shows changing face of J&K: LG Sinha

Srinagar, Oct 16: Expressing happiness over the successful hosting of a major cricket event in Srinagar after 36 years, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said that Cricket Fever in Kashmir is showing the Changing Face of J&K.
Sinha made these remarks after visiting Bakshi Stadium Srinagar during Final Match of Legends League in which enthusiasm was witnessed for cricket among the people of the Kashmir valley and the significant crowd turnout at the stadium.
“I am very happy that after 36 years, such a big event has taken place in Srinagar for cricket. The crowd and passion we’ve seen show that this is the changing Jammu and Kashmir,” Sinha said.
He also said that the kind of crowd that is here naturally shows the results of peace efforts over the last 4-5 years.
The event, which started last year in Jammu, has attracted significant attention, showcasing the J&K’s love for cricket.
Speaking on the importance of the Bakshi Stadium of Srinagar and MA Stadium Jammu which have now reached international standards, Sinha said that it is because of 40 crore rupees provided by the PM Modi under Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP).
“These international standard stadiums were built because the Prime Minister gave 40 crore rupees under PMDP. Today, Bakshi Stadium and MA Stadium are ready for any international cricket match,” he said.
Sinha said that Jammu and Kashmir will soon produce world-class players. “I think in the coming days, players from 17 countries will come here. We want cricketers like Chris Gyle and Shikhar Dhawan to emerge from Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.