- Pakistan’s 75th Independence Day coincided with the inauguration of the second edition of the Kashmir Premier League, a new addition to the world of Premier Leagues.
- In the 2nd edition of the KPL, seven teams including Muzaffarabad Tigers, Hawks, Janbaz, Mirpur Royals, Stallions, Kotli Lions, and Overseas Warriors are taking part in a game of gentlemen.
- The first edition of the KPL had attracted slightly above 43.1 million viewers around the globe. The KPL has become one of the most viewed leagues in the world,
By Special Correspondent
BY Kaswar Klasra
Muzaffarabad: As the clock struck 12, the sky lit up with colorful lights. Thousands of people watched the spectacular display of fireworks over Muzaffarabad’s iconic Naluchi bridge to mark Pakistan’s Independence Day, from the roofs of houses and nearby markets.
Pakistan’s 75th Independence Day coincided with the inauguration of the second edition of the Kashmir Premier League, a new addition to the world of Premier Leagues.
The legendary cricketers of our times including the King of Swing bowling Wasim Akram, former Cricket captain Misbah-Ul-Haq, Waqar Younis, Sikander Bakht, and Kin Compton (UK) were among the cricket greats who witnessed the spectacular display of fireworks In Muzaffarabad, the Capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Wasim Akram and Misbah-Ul-Haq are part of mentors of KPL whereas Waqar Younis, Sikander Bakht, Kin Compton (UK), and cricket greats from South Africa are part of Commentary. Pakistan Television and geo Supper have acquired the rights for live streaming of the KPL aiming to broadcast the matches live to 42 countries.
Analysts, academics, and cricket fans have appreciated the launching of a star-studded edition of KPL. They argued it brings peace festivity and jubilation in AJK with wonderful celebrations in Muzaffarabad on 14th August diamond jubilee day.
“The Kashmir Premier League has brought peace, festivity, and jubilation in AJK. We are grateful to the people and organizations who have brought international cricket to Azad Kashmir. Watching the international cricket players on the home ground is a treat. It was a distant dream which has finally come true,” Raja Sikandar, an Assistant professor of English Linguistics in a local university in Muzaffarabad told this correspondent.
Sikandar, a diehard fan of legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram, had a dream to meet Wasim Akram which only came true as the legendary [former] cricketer arrived in Muzaffarabad a couple of days before the 2nd Edition of KPL kicked off.
“ I can’t express my feelings the day I met Wasim Akram, my favorite cricketer in Muzaffarabad. I am grateful to the organizers of the KPL for introducing international cricket in AJK,” Sikandar said.
Following the success of 1st edition of KPL which was attended by local as well as foreign cricketers, the second edition of KPL was launched on August 13, 2022, at Muzaffarabad International Cricket Stadium.
Top Pakistan cricket stars including Shahid Khan Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Kamran Akmal, Ahmed Shahzad, Mohammad Hafeez, and others are busy in entertaining their fans as the KPL makes headway at the iconic Muzaffarabad Cricket Stadium.
In the 2nd edition of the KPL, seven teams including Muzaffarabad Tigers, Hawks, Janbaz, Mirpur Royals, Stallions, Kotli Lions, and Overseas Warriors are taking part in a game of gentlemen.
Since its inception, KPL besides creating a positive and soft image of Pakistan and Kashmir around the globe has also provided an opportunity for the local Kashmiri talent to showcase their skills in the extravaganza.
Analysts and sports reporters believe the KPL has brought a revolution in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and highlighted Kashmir on the global sports map by sending a message across the globe that sports and culture bring the people together.
The first edition of the KPL had attracted slightly above 43.1 million viewers around the globe. The KPL has become one of the most viewed leagues in the world, and the broadcasting footprint of the league has expanded beyond expectations. The initiative started off as an attempt toward a better and prosperous Kashmir. And now it has become the anthem of determination., a sense of togetherness, and a ray of hope for the courageous people of Kashmir.
“Such is the power of cricket – it not only provides thrilling entertainment but also unites the nation. Cricket fans are feeling patriotic with the next level of adrenaline rush as they wait for the second season of the spectacular Kashmir Premier league,” Shahid Afridi said on August 5, 2022.
