Baramulla, September 2, 2025 – In a spectacular display of skill and determination, Ahmad Cricket Club, proudly representing Sultan Warrior Summerbugh, emerged as the champions of the Chinar Premier League (CPL) 2025. The triumphant team defeated the formidable MLA Gym Khana by 7 wickets in a high-stakes final held at the picturesque Baramulla Cricket Ground, marking a historic victory for local cricket enthusiasts and underscoring the growing popularity of grassroots cricket in the region.The final, which drew a large crowd of cheering fans and dignitaries, showcased the best of Kashmir’s cricketing talent amid the scenic backdrop of Baramulla. MLA Gym Khana, known for their strong batting lineup, set a challenging target of 150 runs in their 20-over innings, thanks to a solid contribution from their openers and middle-order batsmen. However, Ahmad Cricket Club’s bowlers struck back with precision, restricting the opponents and setting the stage for a successful chase. Led by their dynamic all-rounder Waseem Raza, the Sultans chased down the total with overs to spare, securing a comfortable 7-wicket win and lifting the coveted CPL trophy.
Waseem Raza was the undisputed star of the match and the series, earning both the Man of the Match and Man of the Series awards for his outstanding all-round performance. In the final, Raza smashed a quickfire 45 runs off just 22 balls, including two boundaries and a towering six, while also claiming 2 crucial wickets with his medium-pace bowling. Throughout the tournament, his consistent contributions with bat and ball – amassing over 200 runs and taking 10 wickets – played a pivotal role in Ahmad Cricket Club’s unbeaten run to the title. “This victory is for my team, my family, and the entire Summerbugh community. Cricket has been my passion, and winning CPL-2025 feels like a dream come true,” Raza said in his post-match interview, dedicating the award to his coaches and supporters.The Chinar Premier League 2025, organized by the Baramulla District Cricket Association in collaboration with local sports authorities, featured eight competitive teams from across the district, including powerhouses like MLA Gym Khana, PWD Baramulla, and others.
The tournament, which kicked off in early August, not only promoted fitness and team spirit among the youth but also highlighted emerging talents in a region where cricket remains a unifying force despite challenging terrains and weather conditions. Ahmad Cricket Club, hailing from the vibrant Summerbugh area, entered the league as underdogs but rose through the ranks with strategic gameplay and relentless training at local grounds.District Development Commissioner (DDC) Baramulla, Syed Sehrish Asgar, graced the final as the chief guest and presented the trophies, praising the teams for their sportsmanship. “Events like CPL foster unity and talent development in Jammu and Kashmir. Congratulations to Ahmad Cricket Club and Waseem Raza for setting a benchmark,” she remarked. The victory adds to the sporting glory of Baramulla, following recent achievements by local athletes like Ishrat Akhtar in wheelchair basketball and Nasir Ajaz in volleyball, reinforcing the area’s reputation as a hub for diverse sports excellence.As the celebrations continue in Summerbugh, Ahmad Cricket Club eyes bigger horizons, with players like Waseem Raza aspiring for state and national selections. Fans can look forward to more action in upcoming local leagues, with highlights of the final available on the Baramulla Cricket Association’s social media channels.
