In Pulwama, one man’s big bet on cricket and all eyes are on it across J&K
Irfan Ahmad Bhat, an entrepreneur in Pulwama, Kashmir, is working to revitalize the local sports culture by organizing high-quality cricket tournaments. His efforts, which include professional-grade lighting and digital infrastructure, have drawn thousands of spectators and aim to provide a platform for local talent.
Why it matters
The initiative highlights how grassroots sports development can foster community engagement and provide positive outlets in regions historically affected by conflict.
SRINAGAR: Irfan Ahmad Bhat, 27, has spent the past several years trying to build a cricketing culture in Pulwama, a south Kashmir district that has long been associated with turmoil.A cricket fanatic and entrepreneur from Prichoo village, Bhat said he was the only one among his siblings who would spend hours watching cricket. “My elder brother has a doctorate in physics and teaches at a university. I was always watching cricket day and night. I even left my B.A. midway. Then I thought, why not organise a tournament in Pulwama and give our own players a platform,” Bhat, who is also known as Irfan Sarkar, said. “From my childhood friends would call me sarkar and it stuck, maybe because of my grand plans. Hope someday I will also form sarkar ,” he said laughing.He began promoting sports and organised his first cricket tournament in 2022.
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