DH NEWS SERVICE
jammu, Apr 3
The Jammu and Kashmir Masters Games Association is set to organise the first edition of the Jambu Lochan T20 Cricket Tournament from April 5 to April 12, 2026, at the iconic M.A. Stadium. The tournament is expected to bring together budding cricket talent from across the Union Territory and provide a competitive platform for players to showcase their skills. A total of ten teams representing different parts of Jammu and Kashmir will participate in the week-long tournament. The participating teams include Mulan Sports Club led by Rahul Mulan, Shine Star Warriors captained by Eshant Sharma, Rehari Kings XI under Rohit Gupta, Tantray Sports Club led by Mohd Arif Tantray, Hunter Cricket Team captained by Vikas Charak, Tiger Eleven under Daljeet Singh, Apex Cricket Club led by Arun Sharma, Gentle Giants captained by Vishwajeet Singh, Green Star Bhaderwah under Adil Gafoor Ganie, and Mavericks Cricket Club led by Sami Ullah Malik.
The tournament aims to highlight emerging cricketing talent and encourage greater participation in the sport at the grassroots level. Organisers have ensured that all arrangements are in place to conduct the matches smoothly and professionally. The matches will be officiated by experienced umpires Harsh Nagar and Deepak Gupta, while Surinder Kumar will serve as the official scorer for the event.
Attractive cash prizes and awards have been announced to motivate the players. The winning team will receive a cash prize of one lakh rupees along with a trophy, while the runners-up will be awarded fifty thousand rupees and a trophy. In addition, the “Man of the Series” will be presented with a cash prize of five thousand rupees. Souvenirs will also be given to all “Man of the Match” award winners as well as to the members of the winning team.
Speaking about the initiative, JKMGA President Ranjit Singh Chib stated that the tournament has been conceptualised to promote cricket at the grassroots level and provide young players with an opportunity to compete in a structured environment. He emphasized that such events play a vital role in identifying and nurturing talent, which can eventually contribute to the development of cricket in the region. General Secretary Neete Kour assured that all necessary arrangements, including the availability of cricket balls and refreshments for players, have been made. She also reiterated that the decisions of the umpires during the matches will be final, ensuring fairness and discipline throughout the tournament.
Tournament Coordinator Raman is overseeing the organisation and execution of the event. The organisers have also clarified that players currently participating in the Ranji Trophy or any other tournaments recognised by the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association or the Board of Control for Cricket in India will not be eligible to participate in this competition.
With its focus on fostering sportsmanship and encouraging young cricketers, the inaugural Jambu Lochan T20 Cricket Tournament is being seen as a significant step towards strengthening the sporting culture in Jammu and Kashmir. The event is expected to draw attention from cricket enthusiasts and provide an exciting platform for local talent to shine.
