Irfan Pathan announces cricket tournament in Kashmir to unlock local talent

Promises mentorship, opportunities and support for Kashmiri cricketers.

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, APRIL 17 (STC): Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan announced the launch of “EPIC Victory Cricket League” (EVCL) in a press conference held at Radisson Rajbagh today.
This, according to Pathan, is a private initiatives to unlock potential in the game of cricket. However, he said cooperation with cricketing authorities is key for long-term success.
The league, scheduled from June 15 to July 01, will bring together young, inexperienced cricketers from Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and other regions alongside seasoned domestic players in a unique mentorship-based format, said Pathan while addressing the press conference.
He said Kashmir is a region brimming with passion and untapped potential. “We saw it last year — when young players are given the chance to share the field with professionals, the learning and growth are phenomenal. Kashmir deserves that kind of platform,” he said.
He also emphasized the need for turf pitch development across the Valley, pointing out that many districts still rely on matting wickets. “If we want better cricket, we need better infrastructure,” he noted.
Having visited Kupwara, Baramulla, and other districts in the past, Pathan spoke fondly of witnessing exceptional young talent. “There was a left-arm pacer in Kupwara who stood out. The hunger, the passion — it’s all there. What’s missing is opportunity,” he added.
He also acknowledged the rise of female cricketers from Kashmir, urging that boys, too, be given equal access to private leagues and growth pathways.
In the press conference, Irfan Pathan positioned EVCLas more than a league. It’s a cricketing movement aimed at empowering grassroots talent and bridging the gap between aspiration and achievement in Kashmir,” he said. (STC)