Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium explained

Ground Name:Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium
Country:India
Location:Srinagar, J&K, India
Coordinates:34.072°N 74.8347°W
Establishment:1983
Seating Capacity:12000
Owner:JKCA
Operator:Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association
Tenants:Indian Cricket Team
J&K Cricket Team (1983-)
End1:n/a
End2:n/a
International:true
Firstodidate:13 October
Firstodiyear:1983
Firstodihome:India
Firstodiaway:West Indies
Lastodidate:9 September
Lastodiyear:1986
Lastodihome:India
Lastodiaway:Australia
Date:31 March
Year:2014
Source:http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/ground/58456.html Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium, Cricinfo

Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium is a cricket stadium located in the Sonwar Bagh neighbourhood of Srinagar in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is home to the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association and the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team which represents the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir in the Ranji Trophy and other domestic tournaments in the country. National Cricket Academy is currently constructing an indoor complex at the stadium.[1]

International cricket

The venue has hosted two One Day International matches. In the first match India played West Indies on 13 October 1983. India batted first, but the match was affected due to the protests by Kashmiri Dambali from Handwara digging the pitch during the lunch interval. When the match resumed, rain and dust storms affected the play, and India scored 176 all out. West Indies scored 108 for no loss in 22.4 overs before rain ended play, and West Indies were declared winners as the revised target was 81 in 22 overs. Desmond Haynes (West Indies), who scored 55 not out, was named Man of the Match.[2]

In the second match India took on Australia on 9 September 1986.[3] India batted first, and a superb 52 off 56 balls by Sunil Gavaskar helped India score 222 for 8. In reply Australia achieved the target with 3 wickets in hand and 6 balls to go. Allan Border scored 90 not out off 106 balls and was named Man of the Match.[4] [5]

Use by the security forces and other activities

The venue was occupied by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) for 18 years during which the city has seen a lot of militant violence.

The National Conference held a special session at Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in 2002 to elect a new president.[6] In 2003, then Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee addressed a rally at the ground which was attended by 20,000 people.[7] On 7 November 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a public rally at Sher-e-Kashmir cricket stadium, in Srinagar. The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was also present.[8]

Revamp

In November 2007, the CRPF decided to vacate the venue. The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association has planned to renovate the stadium. First-class cricket resumed there in 2009.[9] The Final of 2021 Kashmir Premier League (India) was played between Badgam Braves and Shahi Shopian at Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium, Srinagar on 29 August 2021.[10]

Name change proposal

There has been talk of changing the name of the stadium to "Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium".[11] [12] However this has not been implemented by the government.[13] [14]

External links

34.072°N 74.8347°W

Notes and References

  1. News: Five indoor wickets to be constructed in Kashmir. 25 February 2012. Zee News. 11 January 2011.
  2. https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/44/44098.html India v West Indies, Srinagar 1983-84
  3. https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/47/47842.html India v Australia, Srinagar 1986-87
  4. Book: Indian Cricket Controversies. Ajanta Books International. 978-8128801136. K.R. Wadhwaney. 23 June 2012. 332. 1 December 2005.
  5. Book: Kashmir in Conflict: India, Pakistan and the Unending War. I. B. Tauris. 978-1860648984. registration. Victoria Schofield. 15 July 2012. 132. 18 January 2003.
  6. News: Omar Abdullah elected NC president. 25 February 2012. The Economic Times. 23 June 2002.
  7. News: PM extends 'hand of friendship' to Pakistan. https://web.archive.org/web/20140612101526/http://www.hindu.com/2003/04/19/stories/2003041905500100.htm. dead. 12 June 2014. 25 February 2012. The Hindu. 19 April 2003.
  8. Web site: 2015 public rally.
  9. Web site: Ranji Trophy: Jammu and Kashmir team returns to Srinagar after three-year wait.
  10. Web site: Kashmir Premier League 2021 concludes in Srinagar.
  11. Web site: Kathju. Junaid. 4 November 2019. Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium Likely to be Renamed after Sardar Patel. 2021-12-22. The Wire.
  12. Web site: Ahmad. Mudasir. 19 November 2019. Kashmir May Be the Latest Target of Centre's Name-Changing Spree. 2021-12-22. The Wire.
  13. Web site: Huda. Kashif-ul. 2020-03-15. Govt's name-changing spree in Kashmir "too small an issue" for people. 2021-12-22. TwoCircles.net. en-US.
  14. Web site: 15 August 2021. PTI. Independence Day: 100-ft Tricolour hoisted in Srinagar; no internet suspension for first time. 2021-12-22. The New Indian Express.