Anantnag, August 13, 2025 – The Bijbehara Premier League (BPL) 2025, hailed as the most prestigious cricket tournament in Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory (J&K UT), commenced with fervor at the Nilandrusu Bijbehara ground in Anantnag. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who engaged with players during the event, emphasised its role as a vital platform for showcasing local talent and paving the way for national and international recognition.LG Manoj Sinha’s Endorsement“It was a pleasure to interact with players at Bijbehara Premier League (BPL) at Anantnag. BPL is widely considered as the most prestigious cricket tournament in J&K UT which also serves as a platform to showcase talent & earn their place at national, international level,” LG Manoj Sinha shared in a post.
His presence underscored the tournament’s significance in fostering cricket and youth development in J&K, aligning with the region’s broader sports revolution.A Stage for Emerging TalentOrganized by the Bijbehara Cricket Association in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council, the BPL 2025 features 12 competitive teams in a T20 league format, streamlined from the previous 20-team setup to ensure high-quality matches, as noted by J&K cricketer Parvez Rasool. “Fewer teams mean deeper talent pools and more competitive games,” Rasool told Greater Kashmir. The tournament, spanning 20-25 days with 37 matches, limits outstation players to three per team, prioritizing J&K’s local cricketers.
Standout performers like Asim Bashir, who won the Most Valuable Player award, and Sajju, named Player of the Match, have already captured attention, with teams like United Imports showcasing the triumph of young talent over experience.J&K’s Sports TransformationLG Manoj Sinha highlighted the remarkable growth of J&K’s sports ecosystem, crediting initiatives like the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP) and a merit-based sports policy. “From 2.5 lakh youth participating in sports five years ago, we now have 40 lakh,” Sinha stated, pointing to enhanced sports infrastructure and programs like My Youth My Pride. The BPL, broadcast live, amplifies this progress, bringing J&K’s cricketing talent to a wider audience.Incentives and Future StarsWhile past BPL editions featured stars like Abhishek Sharma, this year’s focus remains on local players, with incentives like bikes and increased cash prizes for top performers.
“The BPL offers a competitive structure and public recognition, pushing local talent to excel,” Rasool said.A Symbol of UnityBeyond cricket, LG Manoj Sinha praised the BPL for fostering unity, drawing parallels with the peaceful 2025 Amarnath Yatra, which saw over 4.14 lakh pilgrims. “Events like the BPL strengthen harmony and send a positive message across J&K,” he said.The Bijbehara Premier League 2025, with LG Manoj Sinha’s support, continues to be a beacon for aspiring cricketers, cementing J&K’s place in India’s sporting landscape.
