Srinagar, October 29, 2025 – The “Universe Boss,” Chris Gayle, brought Bakhshi Stadium alive on Monday evening as he stepped onto Kashmir’s soil to bat for the ongoing Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL) 2025. What began as a low-attendance afternoon match soon transformed into a festive evening, with the crowd swelling and the stadium turning into an impromptu dance floor, electrified by Gayle’s explosive performance.The high-energy encounter pitted Gayle’s Pulwama Titans against the Patnitop Warriors, part of the inaugural IHPL tournament running from October 25 to November 8 at Srinagar’s historic Bakshi Stadium. Patnitop Warriors set a challenging total of 173 for 7 in their 20 overs, but Gayle turned back the clock with a vintage innings. The West Indies batting legend smashed seven boundaries and one massive six, anchoring the Titans’ chase and injecting raw energy into the chilly Srinagar air.”The moment Chris Gayle stepped on the field, the ground erupted,” said a local fan from Srinagar’s Old City, capturing the sentiment of thousands who flocked to witness the cricket icon in action. As Gayle’s boundaries flew, fans spilled onto the edges of the pitch, turning the venue into a sea of celebration.
Chants of “Gayle Storm” echoed through the stands, blending with the rhythmic beats of local DJs who amplified the post-innings festivities. What was meant to be a standard T20 fixture evolved into a cultural spectacle, with spectators dancing under the floodlights long after the final ball.This isn’t Gayle’s first tryst with Srinagar’s cricket-loving crowds. The 46-year-old returned to the Valley for IHPL 2025 after captivating audiences during the Legends League Cricket (LLC) in October 2024, marking the first major cricketing event in Kashmir in nearly four decades. Back then, Gayle’s towering sixes at the same venue had fans dreaming of international matches returning to the region. Now, with IHPL featuring global stars like Martin Guptill, Shaun Marsh, Shakib Al Hasan, and Jesse Ryder, the tournament is positioning Srinagar as a burgeoning hub for high-octane cricket.IHPL Secretary Nuzhat Gul, who attended the match, hailed Gayle’s participation as a “proud moment for Jammu and Kashmir sports.” She emphasized how such events not only revive local passion for the game but also boost tourism and youth engagement. “Chris Gayle brought warmth to Srinagar’s cold evening,” Gul remarked, underscoring the event’s role in fostering community spirit amid the autumn chill.However, the night wasn’t without its highlights beyond Gayle.
While the Titans fell short in the chase, the match showcased emerging local talents, setting the stage for more fireworks in the league. With teams like Jammu Lions, Uri Panthers, Kishtwar Giants, Ladakh Heroes, Srinagar Sultans, and Gulmarg Royals vying for glory, IHPL promises to deliver non-stop entertainment over the next two weeks.As the dust settled on Bakhshi Stadium, one thing was clear: Chris Gayle’s Srinagar show didn’t just steal the spotlight—it redefined it. For cricket-starved fans in the Valley, this was more than a game; it was a storm of joy, boundaries, and unbridled celebration.
