Gurez, February 2,2026-In the snow-covered heights of Gurez Valley in north Kashmir, where winter freezes daily life for months, the spirit of cricket continues to thrive—quite literally on ice and snow.
With snow serving as the pitch and towering mountains as the spectators, local youth have transformed the frozen landscape into an arena for snow cricket, proving that passion for the game never freezes—it only shines brighter. Despite sub-zero temperatures and challenging terrain, young players enthusiastically take to the field, blending sport with resilience.
Residents say snow cricket has become more than just a game in Gurez; it is a symbol of community bonding, mental well-being and youthful energy during the long winter months when the valley remains cut off from the rest of Kashmir due to heavy snowfall.
Local sports enthusiasts noted that such informal sporting activities help keep youth engaged and away from negative influences, while also highlighting the region’s potential for winter sports tourism. “Cricket here is played with heart. The cold doesn’t stop us,” a local player said.
Officials and sports lovers believe that with proper support, infrastructure and recognition, snow cricket and other winter sports could emerge as a unique identity for Gurez Valley, inspiring similar initiatives across snowbound areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
As the white expanse echoes with cheers and the crack of the bat against the ball, snow cricket in Gurez stands as a powerful reminder that love for sport transcends weather, geography and hardship.
