Cricket lights up pulwama marking the opening of the Royal Premier League (RPL)

Dubai, UAE, August 2025

The Pulwama Sports Stadium in India came alive under floodlights for the region’s first-ever day-night cricket match, marking the opening of the Royal Premier League (RPL).

The inaugural match, played on August 25 between Royal Gadool and Sultan Springs Baramulla, drew thousands of enthusiastic spectators. The atmosphere was electric, with fans filling the stands and even gathering on nearby rooftops to witness the landmark moment.

Organizers said the initiative aims to provide a professional platform for local cricket talent, nurture youth participation, and promote a vibrant sporting culture in the valley.

“This is the start of a new inning for India,” said youth leader Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, who attended the event. “Sports is a bridge of hope and opportunity. Tonight’s match shows how young people here are determined to shine and build their future through talent and perseverance.”

The event was supported by the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council, whose Secretary, Nuzhat Gull, highlighted the larger social impact. “When you hold the hands of youth, you ignite their spirit. These floodlights are not just about cricket, they are about reclaiming evenings with joy, hope, and togetherness,” she said.

The Royal Premier League will feature 12 teams from across Jammu & Kashmir, offering budding cricketers the opportunity to showcase their skills on a bigger stage. The tournament is expected to encourage more community participation and inspire young athletes to dream of professional careers.

Local players and cricket enthusiasts hailed the match as a turning point. “Watching cricket under lights felt magical,” said one spectator. “It shows that the valley has the same passion and energy for sports as anywhere else in the country.”

Officials believe the tournament will have a lasting impact on youth empowerment in the region. By channeling energy into sports, creating community bonds, and celebrating talent, cricket is emerging as a powerful tool for progress in India.

The Pulwama floodlit debut, they say, is more than a sporting event, it is a statement of optimism. As the Royal Premier League unfolds in the coming weeks, the hope is that many more evenings in Kashmir will be defined by the cheers of cricket fans and the promise of young players chasing their dreams under the lights.