Srinagar, October 28, 2025 – In a landmark meeting aimed at revitalizing cricket in the Union Territory, a high-profile BCCI delegation led by President Mithun Manhas and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Rohan Jaitley called on Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday. The discussions centered on upgrading cricket facilities, nurturing emerging talent, and forging a robust roadmap for the sport’s growth in the region, signalling a new era for J&K’s cricketing ambitions.The delegation, which also included Brigadier Anil Gupta, Administrator of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), engaged in fruitful deliberations at the Chief Minister’s Office in Srinagar. Sources from the CMO revealed that the focus was on developing world-class infrastructure, including modern training centres, improved pitches, and advanced amenities at key venues in Jammu and Srinagar.
The BCCI leaders pledged comprehensive support to enhance the region’s cricketing ecosystem, addressing long-standing needs for better facilities and talent scouting programs.Chief Minister Omar Abdullah warmly welcomed the initiative, underscoring the transformative potential of sports in fostering youth engagement and social harmony. “Cricket has always held a special place in the hearts of people in J&K, and this collaboration with BCCI will open new avenues for our young athletes,” Abdullah stated, expressing gratitude for the board’s commitment to empowering local players. He highlighted how such developments could inspire a new generation, drawing parallels to recent successes like the Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL) and Legends League Cricket events that have rekindled passion for the game in the Valley.This meeting comes on the heels of significant leadership changes within the BCCI. Last month, at the 94th Annual General Meeting, Mithun Manhas—a former J&K cricketer and Delhi stalwart—was elected president, with Rohan Jaitley appointed to head the Infrastructure Committee. Rajeev Shukla and Devajit Saikia were re-elected as vice-president and secretary, respectively.
Manhas, hailing from the region, brings a personal stake to the table, having represented J&K in domestic cricket and now steering national efforts to bolster grassroots development.The partnership between BCCI and JKCA is expected to yield tangible outcomes, such as the establishment of dedicated academies, regular coaching camps, and potential hosting of national-level tournaments. Brigadier Gupta emphasized the JKCA’s readiness to collaborate, noting that enhanced infrastructure would not only elevate standards but also promote inclusivity across genders and age groups in the Union Territory.As Jammu and Kashmir continues to emerge as a vibrant hub for sports tourism—evident from the ongoing IHPL 2025 and the upcoming 2nd Kashmir Marathon—this BCCI-C M alliance promises to weave cricket deeper into the region’s cultural fabric. For aspiring cricketers in the snow-capped valleys, the message is clear: the pitch is set for a brighter, more competitive future.
