Anantnag, October 24, 2025 – In a nail-biting finale that captivated cricket enthusiasts across Kashmir, Royal Goodwill Srinagar emerged victorious in the Bijbehara Premier League 5 (BPL5), defeating Elegant Strikers by 7 runs to claim the coveted trophy. The electrifying clash, held at the Nilundrusu Cricket Ground, marked the culmination of a fiercely contested season organized by the Bijbehara Cricket Association in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council.The tournament, which kicked off on July 29, 2025, featured 12 powerhouse teams vying for supremacy in Kashmir’s premier turf cricket league. Royal Goodwill, known for their aggressive batting lineup and sharp bowling attack, topped the league stage with an unbeaten run, including standout victories over Sultan Warriors Baramulla by 4 wickets and Sopore Stallions by 12 runs. Their semi-final triumph over Valley Fresh Cold Chain further solidified their status as frontrunners.In the title decider, Royal Goodwill posted a formidable 165/6 in 20 overs, powered by a blistering half-century from skipper Nasir Bashir Kumar (52 off 32 balls) and a quickfire 38 from opener Vishwajeet Singh. Elegant Strikers’ bowlers, led by pacer Asim Lone (3/28), kept the scoring in check, but timely partnerships from the middle order pushed the total beyond reach.Chasing 166, Elegant Strikers started strongly with a 60-run opening stand but faltered under pressure from Royal Goodwill’s spin duo of Yash Garg (4/22) and Mohd Rafiq (2/19).
Despite a valiant 45 from their anchor Tariq Ahmad, the Strikers were bowled out for 158 in 19.3 overs, handing Royal Goodwill their maiden BPL title.Post-match, the ceremony was graced by prominent dignitaries, including Nuzhat Gull, Secretary of the J&K Sports Council, and Dr. Bashir Ahmad Veeri, MLA Srigufwara-Bijbehara. The guests felicitated the winners with trophies, medals, and cash prizes—₹2 lakh for Royal Goodwill and ₹1 lakh for runners-up Elegant Strikers. “This victory is a testament to the hard work of our young talents and the growing sports ecosystem in J&K,” said Kumar, dedicating the win to the fans of Srinagar.The event underscored the league’s role in nurturing local cricket, with over 35,000 fans attending matches throughout the season. Highlights from the final, including Garg’s match-winning spell, went viral on social media, trending under hashtags like #BPL5Champions and #RoyalGoodwillWins.As BPL5 draws to a close, anticipation builds for Season 6, promising even more high-octane action. Royal Goodwill’s triumph not only adds to their growing legacy—following recent successes in the Red Premier League and Royal Premier League Pulwama—but also inspires a new generation of cricketers in the Valley.
