Srinagar’s Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium
One features local cricketer Auqib Nabi, highlighting his Ranji performance and describing him as India’s No.1 fast bowler. In the 5,000-capacity stadium invitations for the matches have been sent to a select audience, officials said, citing the stadium’s past history. On Oct 13, 1983, during the first international cricket match here between India and the visiting West Indies, the Indian team — having won the World Cup only a few months before — faced an unexpected reaction from the crowd. A similar controversy erupted in Sept 1986 during a match between Australia and India at the same venue.
The newly crowned world champion team was booed by sections of the crowd, while the West Indies cricketers — who won the game — unexpectedly felt at home in the Valley.
“We don’t want to take any chances,” an official said. “It is a big trophy for Jammu and Kashmir (to try to win),” a JKCA official said. Another celebrates the Jammu and Kashmir team as Ranji champions. Many describe it the country’s most beautiful cricket ground. Preparations for the Irani Cup, scheduled to start here from Thursday, are being given final touches. Only one gate would be used as the main entry point, while the others would remain closed. Some youths dug up the pitch, prompting police to register an FIR during the initial stages of the game. The accused were later arrested on charges of damaging the pitch. Against this backdrop, the Irani Cup will headline a series of major cricket events at the venue, with three competitions being held back to back.