Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, April 18, 2025 – The Epic Victory Cricket League , a franchise-based T20 tournament, will commence its inaugural season in September 2025, bringing professional cricket back to Jammu and Kashmir. Announced by former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan at a press conference in Srinagar’s Radisson Rajbagh, the league aims to spotlight the region’s untapped cricketing talent while fostering mentorship and economic opportunities.
Supported by Pathan and former cricketer Praveen Kumar, the EVCL will conduct nationwide trials from June 15 to July 31, 2025, starting in Srinagar and covering 20 cities, concluding in Baraut, Uttar Pradesh. Open to male cricketers aged 17 to 39, the trials will be overseen by a selection committee comprising state cricketing association selectors and EVCL’s apex council. The league will feature 15 high-voltage matches across Jammu and Srinagar, culminating in a grand finale in Srinagar, with live broadcasts on a leading OTT platform in English, Hindi, Kashmiri, and Dogri.
Pathan emphasised Kashmir’s raw cricketing potential, recalling his mentorship of the J&K team in 2018–19, where he observed passionate players from Kupwara and Baramulla lacking only exposure. “This isn’t just a tournament; it’s a movement to bridge the gap between aspiration and achievement,” said league owner Vikas Dhaka. The EVCL will blend international players, seasoned domestic professionals, and local hopefuls, offering mentorship and a platform for growth.
The league is expected to boost local businesses and tourism, with entrepreneurial opportunities tied to cricket-related ventures. Posts on X, including from Kashmir Observer and Rising Kashmir, reflected excitement, hailing the EVCL as a “game-changer” for Kashmiri youth. Pathan also advocated for turf pitch development to enhance infrastructure, addressing the reliance on matting wickets in many districts.
The EVCL’s launch marks a significant step in reviving Kashmir’s cricketing culture, following the Legends League’s success at Bakshi Stadium in 2024, and promises to inspire a new generation of players in the Valley.
