Cricket Becomes a Clarion Call for Change, Character, and Community Cohesion
JJ Toseef R Ganai
Poonch, April 2025 — In a splendid confluence of sport, spirit, and social responsibility, the 5th Edition of the Poonch Premier League 2025 was inaugurated amidst much fanfare and festive fervour. With reverberating applause and a shared vision that transcends the boundaries of the cricket pitch, the opening ceremony proved to be more than a ceremonial formality—it was a triumphant celebration of youth empowerment, patriotic pride, and civic consciousness.
The distinguished Chief Guest, SSP Poonch Mr Shafkat Hussain Bhat (JKPS), a paragon of integrity and youth outreach, graced the occasion, accompanied by an illustrious gathering of Guests of Honour: Mr Mohan Lal Sharma (Addl. SP Poonch), Mr Mohammad Sayed (JKAS – ACR Poonch), Mr Khaliq Hussain Choudhary (DySP DAR), Mr Tariq Khan (Chairman Shaheed Manjit Singh Volleyball Club), Priyanka Singh (Centre Administrator – One Stop Centre Poonch), and Dr Muhammad Waseem Bhat. Their collective presence lent the ceremony both prestige and a profound sense of community commitment.
Joining the dignitaries were stalwarts from various organisations including Pervaiz Malik Afridi (Chairman, Rahul Dravid Cricket Club), Vijay Kumar Sharma (PEM), Pawan Kumar Mannu (PEL), Sayed Imran Hussain Shah (Chairman, Khidmat Foundation), Abass Malik (Chairman, HHWS), Zakir Hussain Shah, Zamir Sheikh, Ajaz Malik REK, Sajjad Rather REK, Aman Sharma REK, RJ Bashir (State Sport Live), Imtiaz Lone, Syed Talit Waseem (REK), and Er. Kamran Ahmed Qadri (PPL Management).
In a rousing inaugural address, Mr Bhat lauded the organisers and urged the players to embrace discipline, passion, and sportsmanship. Special commendation was reserved for Mr Pervaiz Malik Afridi and the management team, whose untiring dedication has made the league a symbol of hope and transformation.
This tournament is more than a display of skill,” said SSP Poonch. “It is a platform for positive change, a crucible where young minds are moulded into tomorrow’s leaders. Through cricket, we channel youthful vigour into a cause greater than the game itself.”
The thematic essence of this year’s edition is both noble and necessary, drawing upon national campaigns such as “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan” (Drug-Free India Campaign), “My Youth My Pride”, “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Sports”, and “Clean India, Green India”. These initiatives anchor the tournament in the collective conscience of the nation, reinforcing the belief that sport is not merely an activity—it is a movement.
Organised through the collaborative efforts of the Rahul Dravid Cricket Club, Poonch Youth, Khidmat Foundation, in conjunction with the Civil Administration Poonch, J&K Police, Indian Army, Department of Youth Services and Sports, and the Sports Council, the league exemplifies synergy in action.
Every delivery bowled and run scored carries with it a message—a repudiation of drugs, a celebration of life, and a call to protect our environment and societal values. In a particularly poignant gesture, the tournament has been dedicated to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the nation—a solemn and stirring tribute that underscores the event’s deeper purpose.
