Night cricket in Pulwama draws crowds, fosters hope and unity

Under the glow of floodlights, the Royal Premier League Pulwama has transformed evenings in the once-restive district. On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, hundreds of locals, including families carrying food, stayed until late night to watch the tournament's opening match at the local stadium. Organisers estimate around 20,000 people attended the event, cheering and celebrating together.

Waheed-ur-Rehmaan Parra, the legislator from Pulwama, described the scenes as unprecedented for the area. "It has provided a platform for locals to laugh and smile," he said, adding that the event is a step towards promoting positivity. "Kashmir's youth have witnessed misery in the past. This is a small effort to give them a chance to be happy and hopeful."

The tournament, now in its second edition, features ten teams competing in a round-robin format, with all matches played under lights. Organiser Irfan Sarkar, a local youth, has arranged digital scoreboards, live replays, social media streaming, and commentary. "We wanted to allow locals to attend after sundown," he explained. "Watching them drum and celebrate every moment together was heartening."

Pulwama has experienced periods of turmoil, including street protests in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2016, and a cycle of militancy and counter-insurgency operations. The 2016 killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in south Kashmir led to widespread unrest and a rise in local militancy. The district has also been the site of raids by the National Investigation Agency and other security agencies.

According to locals, nightlife was virtually non-existent in the district for years. The cricket league has changed that, allowing eateries to remain open until midnight. "Chicken items are selling like hot cakes," said Niyaz Ahmad, a local restaurateur. "It is rare to see customers after 10 p.m. here."

Beyond the immediate enthusiasm, Parra believes night cricket can nurture sporting talent. "It allows sports lovers to perform under the pressure of large crowds, helping them grow mentally tough," he said. The league is being viewed as more than a game; as one local put it, "It is hope over fear, unity over division, and life over darkness."

While challenges remain, the sight of families gathered under floodlights in Pulwama marks a notable shift. For many, cricket has become a healing process, offering a peaceful and constructive outlet for a community that has endured decades of conflict.