Sports Journalism J&K

03/03/2024

Charismatic Mithun Manhas changes shape of J&K cricket

RAJESH DHAR (Sports India JK)

JAMMU, Mar 2: Mithun Manhas is a familiar name not only in J&K cricket but also in the entire cricketing world, especially at the domestic circuit of Indian cricket.

He has scored around 10,000 runs in 157 matches of First Class Cricket with 27 centuries and 49 fifties and over 4000 runs in 130 matches of List A Cricket with 5 centuries and 26 half-centuries.

Averaging 45.84 in both the formats, Manhas has the honour of representing North Zone Duleep Trophy and Deodhar Trophy teams as captain more than once and making North Zone clinch Deodhar Trophy under his captaincy, besides having the distinction of being part of the North Zone victorious squads many a time.

One of the few unlucky cricketers who despite possessing immense talent and performing consistently well at the domestic circuit and India A levels, has failed to make it to Team India. Reason? One--his cricketing era was dominated by the iconic batting quartet of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman and second--may be, he was not having any Godfather to pat and promote him at the National scene.

Anyway, after his heroic cricketing career as a player, having the distinction of captaining the then strong Delhi for a long period, charismatic Manhas has done wonderfully well as an Administrator while running JKCA affairs in the capacity of Member Cricket Operations and Development among three Sub Committee Members including Brig Anil Gupta as the Member-Administration and Sunil Sethi, Member Legal Affairs JKCA.

While running JKCA affairs from the last three years, Manhas has changed the shape of Jammu and Kashmir Cricket in every aspect of the game.

After his nomination by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to run the affairs of Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) on the directions of J&K High Court, the things are changing thick and fast in Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) and no stone is being left unturned to prioritize professionlism, promote cricket culture, streamline the jaundiced system and deal with the players and officials on the basis of merit in otherwise fractured and unhealthy Association.

As the Head of Cricket Operations and Development, Manhas has constituted a much awaited Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), the constitution of which was unquestionably an extraordinary step in the history of JKCA. What was more appreciable was the fact that the CAC is the amalgam of former J&K cricketers of great repute.

It is observed that commercialism is getting the back seat and professionalism is gaining momentum in the scheme of things of Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association as the appointment of the Support Staff is being done only after calling interviews.

Earlier, there was a trend, a practice, a custom or you may call it a system that JKCA used to nominate selectors and the Support Staff which simply involved favouritism and even nepotism.

Moreover, since the inception of JKCA, it has produced just twelve BCCI Level-1 Coaches and Umpires before Manhas took over as the Head of Cricket Operations and Development JKCA. Now, under his dynamic attitude and energetic approach, JKCA can boast of having around forty Level-1 Coaches and Umpires of its own in the State/UT, not to talk of a big number of Strengthening and Conditioning Coaches.

Now, talking about the infrastructural facilities, the JKCA Hostel ground has turned up into a wonderful cricket facility as it possesses around five quality practice wickets with almost all the facilities, five pitches in the centre and a quality outfield, besides dressing rooms, quality dugouts, boundary rope, sight screens and other allied facilities.

Moreover, the establishment of Cricket Academies, one each at JKCA Headquarter Srinagar and Jammu, development of Cricket Stadium at Hiranagar and making SK Stadium JKCA's own custody, is in the pipeline.

As Head of the Cricket Operations and Development, Manhas has succeeded in holding long duration Coaching, Skill and Fitness Camps for the players of all age groups (men & women), besides providing high quality and sufficient cricket uniforms and gear to the players and uniforms to the support staff.

Mithun Manhas, in the last three seasons, can boast of producing around forty men and women cricketers, who represented Zonal teams, Challenger Trophy teams and various IPL teams, besides an exception of Umran Malik making it to Team India.

Moreover, Manhas deserves appreciation for helping good number of officials from J&K to represent North Zone squad in one or the other capacity.

Though, the performance of various JKCA teams is not as it should have been, yet the process is on and the time is ripe to see all the JKCA men and the women teams blossom at the National scene.

All in all, a golden era for J&K cricket under his dynamism, wisdom and energy

24/10/2023

26/06/2023

26/06/2023

Shah-e-Hamdan Warriors Guree unveils its Coloured Jersey for APL Anantnag

24/06/2023

11/06/2023

Ties Ceremony for Anantnag Premier League APL held in Anantnag

The open ties Ceremony for much awaited Cricket league of South Kashmir namely "Anantnag Premier League APL" was today held in Spring Mall K.P Raod Anantnag. The ties Ceremony was held in presence of members of Participating Clubs and members of organising body. The ties were conducted among the 32 participating clubs and all the teams were distributed in 8 disignated pools. The names for pools were given from alphabet A to H. The Pool distribution of APL is as follows:

Pool-A
Jehlem Cricket Club Dooru
INK CC Monghall
RCC Anantnag
S.B Sports

Pool-B
Shah-I-Hamdan Sports Guree
M.I.E Eagles Aakura
Spartans Kulgam
Young Gymkhana

Pool-C
Farhat Sports Anantnag
Friends CC Kulgam
Habib CC Mattan
Kanelwon Cricket Club

Pool-D
Mighty Warriors Kund
City CC Anantnag
Manzoor Memorial Bijbehara
K.P Road Kings

Pool-E
S.A XI Anantnag
Sports Club Mattan
Gousia CC Pehroo
Kathroo Kings

Pool-F
Sports Club Arwani
Mehind Cricket Club
Alamdar CC Nambal
Holiday Cafe Budgam

Pool-G
Young Kadipora
Kashmir Knights
Tiger Cricket Club
Ali Jan Cricket Club

Pool-H
Azan CC Anantnag
K.B Kings
S.H Stars
Islamia Sports Anantnag

The Anantnag Premier League is organised under the aeiges of District Cricket Forum DCF Anantnag. The inaugural match of the league will be a daynight match, which will be played under the flood lights in Sports Stadium Anantnag in coming days in this month.

26/04/2023

Zonal Level Cycle Race organized by ZPEO Bijbehara

The Zonal Physical Education Officer Bijbehara organized Inter School Zonal Level Cycle on today (26th of April 2023), among the School Students of Zone Bijbehara. The Race was started from Dara Shikoh Garden Bijbehara & was culminated at MS Laribal (Village Laribal). The Race was flagged off by the Senior Field officials of ZPEO Zone Bijbehara at 8am from Dara Shikoh Garden. In the Race, near about 80 Cyclists from different schools of Zone Bijbehara Participated with zeal and zest.
In U-17 age group, Yaseen Rashid of Public School Bijbehara got 1st Place, Sahil Mushtaq of HSS Arwani got 2nd Place and Muzamil Rehman of HS HP Bagh got 3rd Place. While in U-14 age group, Muneeb Irshad of MS Balyar got 1st Place, Aqib Ashiq of BMS HP Tawaila got 2nd Place and Ubaid Manzoor of Sir Syed Memorial School Zirpora Bijbehara got 3rd Place.
While speaking on the occassion the field official of ZPEO Zone Bijbehara Dr. Riyaz Veeri said that sports is the powerful tool with which the drug menace can be eradicated. He said the sports activities will not only help youth to showcase their talent but will also keep them away from drugs and other such bad activities. He further said that purpose of activities of Youth Services and Sports is to get more and more youth involved in various sports activities so that they will remain away from drug addiction.
On the Prize distribution ceremony of Race the PEM Khurshid Ahmad War along with other Officials distributed the medals among the position holders of the Race.

01/04/2023

Bijbehara Cricket Organization BCO elects temporary office bearers.

27/12/2022

21/12/2022

Cricketer Inaugurates
Marhama Premier League on Dalawahard Turf Pitch

Dr.Riyaz Veeri, 21/12/2022
Marhama Bijbehara Anantnag

The much awaited Cricket League of South Kashmir, the Marhama Premier League MPL get Inaugurated today on Dalawahard turf pitch in Marhama Village of District Anantnag . The League was kick started by the J&K's International Cricketer Parveez Rasool in presence of distinguished guests which includes Lal Mohammad Ganie, Dr. Riyaz Veeri, Bashir Ahmad Salroo, Abbas Majeed, Ashraf Nengroo, Tariq Ahmad, Aamir Charag, Aamir Magray and others.
While Speaking on the Inaugural Ceremony Parveez Rasool appreciated the Marhama Cricket Association for the Development of turf Wicket on the ground. He futher said that this turf Wicket will benefit particularly the local Cricketers to develop their skills betterly and will also help them to complete easily at higher levels of the game.
Besides him, the Sports Analyst Lal Mohammad Ganie also appreciated MCA for the development of turf Wicket on the ground. He stressed the Cricketers to take full advantage of the turf Wicket, which in turn will help you betterly to showcase your talent at National and International Level.
While talking to Sports Analyst Dr. Riyaz Veeri on the sidelines of League, the chief Organizer Mr. Aamir Charag said that we have prepared this turf pitch here to facilitate our youth with the proper infrastructure of the Game, so that they can develop their skills betterly. Second motive behind the conduct of the activities on this ground is to keep away our youth from drug addiction.
The Inaugural match was Played between Zaika Sports Sangam and Arkam Cricket Club Srinagar, in which Zaika Sports emerged as Winner by 8 Wickets. In the League a total 64 teams from all parts of Kashmir are participating. The League is being organised on the newly developed Turf pitch of Dalawahard ground and will be unique in its all features. The League is Organized by Marahama Cricket Association under the Supervision of Aamir Charag and Colleagues.

21/12/2022

20/12/2022

Marhama Premier League to be Inaugurated on Tomorrow in Dalawahard Marhama

The much awaited Cricket League Namely Marhama Premier League MPL is to be Inaugurated on Tomorrow 21/12/2022 on Dalawahard Ground Marhama Bijbehara Anantnag. The Guests and Sports Personalities who are going to grace the Inauguration ceremony with their presence are as under:
D.C Anantnag (Chief guest)
A.D.C Anantnag (Guest of Honour)
Ghulam Rasool (Tehsildar Bijbehara)
Parveez Rasool (International Cricketer)
Lal Mohammad Ganie (Sports Analyst
Dr. Riyaz Veeri (Sports Analyst)
Bashir Ahmad Salroo (Cricket Promoter)
Mohd Shafi Wagay (Organizer BCA)
Noor Mohammad (Senior Cricketer)
Nadeem Ahmad
Sir Zahid Ahmad

Besides the above guests, all Cricket Lovers are Cordially invited on the Inaugural Ceremony. Thanks

Regards
Chief Organizer
Marhama Premier League
More details Call :-7006418843

11/12/2022

11/11/2022

It is not easy to win ICC Trophy as MS Dhoni made it looked like ❤️👍

28/08/2022

qualifies for Grand Finale of Bijbehara Premier League BPL

The unbeaten Khan Sultans team qualified for the Grand Finale of ongoing Bijbehara Premier League (BPL) underway at BHSS ground Bijbehara Anantnag, thrashed Elegant Strikers Srinagar in the Semi final match by 92 runs. Inform batter Nasir Kumar hits ton in the match and Shiva Singh scored 50 runs. Earlier while batting first team Khan Sultans set the mammoth total of 235 on the board.
In reply Elegant Strikers Srinagar collapsed on the score of 143 runs and lost the match by 93 runs. From Elegant Strikers Srinagar batter Ishtiyaq Robby was the top scorer with 58 runs.
From Khan Sultans side Shiva Singh took Three Wickets, while Nasir Rasool & Ayush Jamwal took Two Wickets each. Thus unbeaten Khan Sultans team became the 1st team of the league to qualify for the Grand Finale of the League.
On the post match Presentation ceremony Nisar Kumar was adjudged as player of the match for his brilliant Ton in the match.
In a Congratulatory message the Owner of Khan Sultans team Nasir Ahmad Khan praised and Congratulated the team for the phenomenonal victory over the Elegant Strikers Srinagar in the semis. He further said that our team will keep this momentum in final as well and will lift the title of the league.
Later the team Spokesperson Mr. Kaiser Misger lauded the players and Management for the brilliant victory in the semis.
The team got praise and appreciation from all corners of the valley for qualifying the grand Finale of the league.

27/08/2022

qualifies for Semis of Bijbehara Premier League BPL

The unbeaten Khan Sultans team qualified for the Semis of ongoing Bijbehara Premier League (BPL) underway at BHSS ground Bijbehara Anantnag, thrashed Gazi C.C Kenihama in the quarter final match by 77 runs. Inform batter Nasir Kumar hits ton in the match. Earlier while batting first team Khan Sultans set the mammoth total of 200 on the board.
In reply Gazi CC Kenihama collapsed on the score of 123 runs and lost the match by 78 runs. From Gazi CC Kenihama batter Junaid Lefty & Rafiq were top scorers with 28 & 28 runs respectively.
From Khan Sultans side Shiva Singh took Three Wickets, while Muneeb Munaf & Ayush Jamwal took Two Wickets each. Thus unbeaten Khan Sultans team became the 2nd team of the league to qualify for Semis stage, where the team has to face Elegant Strikers Srinagar on Sunday.
On the post match Presentation ceremony Nisar Kumar was adjudged as player of the match for his brilliant Ton in the match.
Later the Owner of Khan Sultans team Nisar Ahmad Khan hailed the team for the brilliant victory in quarter final match. He further urged the team to work hard and keep the same momentum in the semi final match as well, which is very crucial match for the team.
In a congratulatory message the Manager of Team Mr. Iqbal Khan Congratulated team members for the spectacular Victory in the match and lauded Nisar Kumar for his brilliant Ton in the match.

18/08/2022

hits fifty for Kashmir team in the ongoing JKCA Senior Multi-Day Final against Jammu Team played at Shar-e-Kashmir Stadium Srinagar.

10/08/2022

registered 4th Consecutive Victory in Bijbehara Premier League

The unbeaten team Khan Sultans registered its 4th Consecutive Victory in the ongoing Bijbehara Premier League BPL underway at BHSS turf Wicket ground Bijbehara Anantnag. While batting first team Khan Sultans set the target of 170 for opposite team, in which brilliant knock of 67 runs was played by the Captain Imran Bazaz. In reply team Young Blood Bijbehara fought till the end and match was decided by super overs in Khan Sultans emerged as Winner by 9 runs and Registered its 4th Consecutive win in the league. On the post match Presentation, for the Captain's knock of 67 runs Imran Bazaz was adjudged as man of the match.
Later, in a congratulatory message the team's Spokesperson Kaiser Misger praised the team for the nail bitting win over the Young Blood Bijbehara. He further stressed players to focus on the upcoming knockout matches and prepare themselves fully to remian unbeaten till the end of the League.

22/07/2022

thrashed Shapeup & Fitness Srinagar in Bijbehara Premier League

Khan Sultans continues to dominate in the Bijbehara Premier League (BPL), thrashed Shapeup & Fitness Srinagar in the third league match by 3 wickets on today here at BHSS turf Wicket ground Bijbehara Anantnag, despite having IPL player Vaibhav Arora in the side. Earlier while Batting first Shapeup & Fitness Srinagar set the target of 169 runs in alloted overs, in which Aamir Sofi played brilliant inning of 64 runs. In reply Khan Sultans chased the target in a nail bitting finish, with the help of handy unbeaten knock of 45 runs by Shiva Singh, who finished the match in style by scoring needed 31 runs in the last two overs of the match and lead the team to keep its domination in league by remaining unbeaten till now. Along with Shiva Singh, the Wicket Keeper Batsman Nasir Kumar also played brilliant knock of 55 runs in the match. The team Khan Sultans is the first team in the league to qualify for the knockout stage. On the post match Presentation ceremony Shiva Singh was adjudged as player of the match for his 45 runs with bat and 3 wickets with the ball. In a congratulatory message the manager of Team Mr. Iqbal Ahmad Khan lauded the team for the massive victory over the opponent. He further appreciated the Shiva Singh for his brilliant match Winning knock in the match".

21/07/2022

decimates Hamdan Hurricanes in a thriller of Bijbehara Premier League

Khan Sultans decimates Hamdan Hurricanes in a thriller of the ongoing Bijbehara Premier League (BPL) here at BHSS ground Bijbehara on Wednesday. In the 2nd League match Khan Sultans defeated Hamdaan Hurricanes Srinagar by a huge margin of 88 runs and registered its 2nd consecutive victory in the league.

Earlier, while Batting first team Khan Sultans scored a total of 190 runs in the allotted 20 overs, in which team's captain Imran Bazaz and Imran Haroon played brilliant innings of 55 & 66 runs respectively.

In reply, the Hamdan Hurricanes failed to chase the target and lost the match by 88 runs. Thus, the Khan Sultans emerged as Winners in the match and registered their 2nd consecutive win in the league.
On the post match presentation ceremony Gowher Rashid was adjudged as man of the match, who bowled brilliantly and took four wickets in the match. In a congratulatory message the owner of Khan Sultans Nisar Ahmad Khan said that, "I am highly impressed by the efforts of all the players of the team in every field. I congratulate the whole team from the management & hope team will play with the same enthusiasm in future games as well".

The tournament is Organized by Bijbehara Cricket Association.

16/05/2022

Tilak Varma, Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh are Likely to get their maiden India Call Up!

15/05/2022

Sunil Sethi inaugurates JKCA's 'Cricket for Peace' Tournament in Jammu

Senior Advocate, Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh High Court and Member Legal Affairs JKCA, Sunil Sethi declared open the 'Cricket for Peace' Tournament Talent Hunt 2022, being organised by Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), in an impressive, colourful and well attended function at GGM Science College Hostel Ground, here today.
Mr Sethi was the chief guest on the occasion, while former First Class Cricketers Ashok Singh and Randhir Singh Jamwal were the guests of honour and Col Akshay Dogra, Commanding Officer was the special guest.
The chief guest was welcomed by Brig Anil Gupta, Member-Administration with a memento, a badge and a cricket hat.
The chief guest declared the tournament open by releasing colourful balloons and playing a few balls to test his cricketing skills.
Earlier, the chief guest honoured two former First Class Cricketers namely Ashok Singh and Randhir Singh Jamwal for their outstanding contribution in the field of Cricket.
A colourful cultural programme was presented by the artists of Talent World Dance House led by Baniket, which mesmerized the audience. This cultural programme was followed by a beautiful pipe and drum display presentation by 17Garhwal Rifles. A marvelous presentation of Sarswati Vandana by 6-year old Vanshika Kaw was really a delight to watch.
The chief guest also honoured JKCA Under-19 women team members including Support Staff with certificates and also honoured JKCA Under-16 men's team and Support Staff with Kit Bags.
On the occasion, a handbook of cricket events and achievements of JKCA, prepared by Roopali Slathia, Member Cricket Advisory Committee under the guidance of Sub Committee Members, was also released by the dignitaries on the occasion.
Earlier, while briefing about the Talent Hunt 2022 and Tournament details, the hosts of the programme informed that it is the first of its kind tournament ever being held by JKCA which will spread for a period of three months from May 14 to August 14, 2022.
They said that it is the series of seven tournaments including U-19 women, U-19 men, U-23 men, senior women and senior men.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Sethi while terming the event historic, said that the sportspersons are the messengers of peace, harmony and prosperity.
He said it was really a great initiative of the Association which involved around 8,000 cricketers across the Union Territory, adding that channelizing youth energy was the need of the hour and involving youth in sporting activities is the best way to help them not to derail from the mainstream and not to fall prey to drugs and other social evils.
Later-on, Brig Anil Gupta presented vote of thanks and extended the same to the chief guest, other dignitaries for gracing the occasion and presented special thanks to the media fraternity for giving wide coverage to the event.
"We provided cricketers an opportunity and they were keen to deliver. JKCA is committed to provide a transparent system and it is the players and the officials to make judicious use of the same. Around 8,000 cricketers have attended the trials and around 650 got the selectors nod. Time is ripe to produce a galaxy of Umran's and likes from the Union Territory," added Brig Gupta.
The proceedings of the opening ceremony were conducted by the famous anchors Rajesh Dhar and Surabhi Dadheechi.
It is pertinent to mention here that Ashwani Gupta, former First Class cricketer was the Talent Hunt Incharge of Jammu Province, while Former First Class Cricketer Abdul Qayoom was the Talent Hunt Incharge of Kashmir province including Ladakh and Roopali Slathia was the Talent Incharge for Women in both the regions and Ladakh.

14/05/2022

District Tennisball Cricket Championship concluded in Anantnag

District Tennisball Cricket Championship concluded successfully at BHSS ground Bijbehara Anantnag. In the Championship a total of 86 teams Participated in Senior, Junior & Sub Junior Boys & girls Categories. In the Sub Junior Boys Govt.Middle School Darigund emerged as Winner and Govt. Middle School Laribal emerged as Runners up. In Junior Boys Green Land Chandpora emerged as Winner and Bijbehara XI as Runners up. In Senior boys DCC Khiram emerged as Winner and Star Sports Kanelwon as Runners up. In Senior girls Anantnag XI emerged as Winner and Elite School Tailwan emerged as Runners up. On the final presentation ceremony of Championship Principal Govt. Higher Secondary school Boys Bijbehara Mrs. Nasreena Akhter was chief guest who gave away the Trophies to Winners and Runners up teams.

11/05/2022

District Tennis Ball Cricket Championship Kicks off in Anantnag

The four days long District Tennis Ball Cricket Championship kicks off at Govt.Boys Model Hr.Sec.School Bijbehara today on 11th of May,2022.The District Championship was inaugurated by the Principal of the institution Mrs. Nasreena Akhter. The colourful inaugration function was attended by the office bearers of the District Association alongwith participating teams. Some 50 teams have registered their entry for the District Championship which is being played on league cm knockout basis. The tournament is organized by the District Anantnag Tennis Ball Cricket Association, which is affiliated with J&K Tennis Ball Cricket Association. The Championship is sponsored by J&K UT Sports Council. The Championship is meant for both Boys and Girls teams of Senior, Junior & Sub Junior Categories of district Anantnag. On the oppening day the Championship has witnessed a huge response from the local club and participants. The Championship will be concluded on the 14th May of 2022.

03/05/2022

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The Team Management of Veerian Cricket Academy (VCA) wishes all a very happy and prosperous Eid ul Fitr. May Allah accept all our prayers and forgive all our faults. Aameen.

28/04/2022

Naikoo Younus & Altaf helps Batagund Sports to qualify Grand Finale of SPL

Naikoo Younus & Altaf Naikoo helps Batagund Sports to the qualify Grand Finale of ongoing Salia Premier League played at Eidgah ground Salia Anantnag. Earlier while Bating first Batagund Sports get a slow start in 12 overs and managed to score only 50 runs on board. Then Adil, Haabi and Naikoo Younus played brilliantly innings of 35, 26, 20 runs and set the target of 147 runs before the opponent. In reply Royal Hawks failed to chase the target and lost the match by 30 runs. In bowling Altaf Naikoo took 4 Wickets and Naikoo Younus bowled a fiery spell of 4 overs, conceeded only 12 runs and took 3 important wickets. On conclusion of match, Naikoo Younus and Altaf Naikoo shared the Man of the match award for their brilliant performances in the march.