In a recent Premier League cricket tournament held in Dooru, a young commentator was the voice behind live coverage that captivated hundreds of viewers. Malik Zahid Nisar, 27, from Shergund Shangus—a village about 20 kilometers from Anantnag town—has emerged as a new sensation in south Kashmir’s cricket scene. His commentary, coupled with high-quality live streaming, has brought a professional touch to local cricket, drawing attention from enthusiasts across the region.
“My name is Malik Zahid Nisar, and I was always fond of cricket. Eventually, I realized I wanted to give the game a voice—both behind and in front of the camera,” Zahid told Rising Kashmir.
From Teaching to Commentary
Zahid’s journey began as a teacher. Holding double postgraduate degrees in History and English, along with a B.Ed from IGNOU, he worked at a private school to make ends meet after marrying in his early 20s. However, despite four years of teaching, he found himself unsatisfied, yearning for a more fulfilling path.
“In 2022, I connected with Kashmir Sports Watch, and they gave me my first platform,” Zahid said. “They taught me the basics of commentary and encouraged me to create my own space in this field. Mohsin Kamal, the person behind the portal, was incredibly supportive and suggested I launch my page and go live with my commentary.”
This advice proved pivotal. In March 2024, Zahid resigned from teaching and went full-time as a commentator, launching his own page, The Voice of Anantnag. The turning point came when the Ranipora Premier League signed him to live-stream matches with his commentary, solidifying his position in the field.
Zahid’s career has since flourished. This year alone, he has covered high-profile tournaments, including the Gund Premier League (GPL), Qazigund Premier League, parts of the renowned Bijbehara Premier League (BPL), and the Dooru Shahabad Premier League (DSPL).
“The cricket craze in Anantnag is unmatched. Numerous tournaments are organized, and with the advent of 5G internet, live coverage has become seamless,” Zahid said. “Connectivity issues are no longer a problem, and the demand for live-streamed matches is higher than ever.”
Zahid’s work has become a sustainable career. He earns a monthly income of ₹30,000–₹40,000 through commentary contracts, live broadcasts, designing posters and fixtures, and advertisements. “I also invested in professional equipment, like a ₹30,000 camera, a tripod, and other accessories, to improve the quality of my broadcasts,” he said.
The income allows him to support his family comfortably while earning respect and recognition in his community. “This job brings me immense satisfaction, and it’s now an integral part of my life,” Zahid added.
Winters in Kashmir are typically the off-season for cricket, but this year, Zahid is busier than ever. He has already secured commentary contracts for tournaments in Jammu and Haryana, organized by a Kashmiri promoter.
“This expansion is a dream come true,” he said. “I’m managing everything on my own—from commentary to live streaming and even creating promotional material for tournaments.”
Zahid envisions his work as more than just a job; he sees it as a way to inspire others. “I want people to earn their livelihood by doing something they are passionate about. Sports, especially cricket, is one of the biggest positives in our society today,” he said.
From a modest beginning as a schoolteacher to becoming a sought-after voice in south Kashmir’s cricket scene, Malik Zahid’s journey is full of passion, perseverance, and self-belief. His story has not only enriched local cricket but also set an example for young people seeking to carve their own paths.
