Poonch lifts trophy at Brigadier Usman Cricket Tournament 2024

Rajouri, Dec 22: The Brigadier Usman SPPR Inter-District/Tehsil Cricket Tournament 2024 concluded with a grand finale at the Brigadier Usman Cricket Stadium, Naushera, with Poonch clinching the championship trophy. Organized under the aegis of the White Knight Corps, the event saw Major General Kaushik Mukherjee, General Officer Commanding (GOC) Ace of Spade Division, as the Chief Guest.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma (IAS), Brigadier D.K.S. Sharawat, Commander Tithwal Brigade, Brigadier Bir Bikram, Commander 80 Infantry Brigade, and several local leaders.
Addressing the audience, Major General Mukherjee praised the youth for their talent and energy. “The youth are the torchbearers of a bright future. It is our responsibility to provide them with opportunities to channel their energy in positive directions. The Indian Army remains committed to empowering young minds and promoting unity through initiatives like this tournament,” he said.
The tournament’s thrilling final saw Poonch face off against Sunderbani. Batting first, Sunderbani set a target of 138 runs in 20 overs, powered by a stellar 92-run innings from Mehrab Mir. Poonch chased down the target in 16.3 overs, with Mehboob Sheikh’s all-round brilliance—scoring 35 vital runs and taking two key wickets—earning him the Man of the Match award.
Poonch was awarded the championship trophy and a cash prize of ₹4 lakhs, while runners-up Sunderbani received ₹2 lakhs. Individual excellence was also recognized, with Bilal Ahmed named Player of the Series, earning a motorcycle and ₹25,000. He also received the Best Batsman award, while Md Arif was adjudged Best Bowler with a ₹25,000 prize. Mehboob Sheikh earned an additional ₹15,000 for his performance in the final.
The tournament featured eight teams, including Udhampur, Akhnoor, Sunderbani, Reasi, Naushera, Rajouri, Poonch, and Doda, competing in a league-cum-knockout format. With a prize pool of ₹20 lakhs—the largest in the region—the event garnered widespread attention, amassing over 50 lakh online viewers and extensive print media coverage.
The Brigadier Usman SPPR Cricket Tournament 2024 not only showcased the region’s immense cricketing talent but also highlighted the Indian Army’s role in fostering harmony and promoting sports in remote border areas. Its success paves the way for its establishment as an annual event, creating more opportunities for youth and strengthening community bonds.