Srinagar, Sep 06: Renowned cricket commentator and former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has welcomed the launch of the Pro Star Cricket League in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the Valley has immense cricketing talent and deserves greater opportunities and representation at the national and international level.
Speaking about the league and its potential to strengthen the cricketing ecosystem in J&K, Chopra, while addressing a press conference, said bringing competitive cricket to Kashmir was a “logical extension” given the region’s deep-rooted passion for the sport.
“It’s always a partnership. When you come, you spread the word, and then all of us become a little bigger,” Chopra said, thanking those associated with the initiative for bringing the league to the region.
He highlighted the unique connection between Kashmir and cricket through the famous Kashmir Willow bat, saying that while Kashmir Willow bats are used widely across the country, the region itself has historically had limited opportunities to host and participate in high-level cricket.
“There are only two types of bats in cricket—English Willow and Kashmir Willow. Kashmir Willow bats are sold a lot, but there is not much cricket in Kashmir,” Chopra said.
He noted that the first cricket bat used by many youngsters is often a Kashmir Willow bat, with the wood originating from the Valley before eventually reaching children and players across the country.
According to Chopra, the time has come for the game itself to return to the region in a bigger way.
“I am very glad, very happy and extremely proud that we are able to bring the game here,” he said.
The commentator stressed that developing cricket was not merely about producing players but about building a wider culture and love for the sport.
“Those who make the game big, I think they don’t even make players. They make the love of the people towards the game,” he said, referring to the strong public response witnessed during previous cricketing events in Kashmir, including the Kashmir Premier League.
He said the passion for cricket among people in the Valley makes it important to create more platforms for local players to showcase their abilities.
Chopra also congratulated the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team on its historic Ranji Trophy success, describing the achievement as a matter of pride for the people of the region.
“J&K won the Ranji Trophy. I’m sure it’s a very proud moment for every Kashmiri. It is very difficult to win the Ranji Trophy, and they won it,” he said.
He emphasised that talent alone was not enough and that young cricketers needed regular opportunities and platforms to express themselves.
“You need opportunities. You need platforms where you go and express yourself,” Chopra said, expressing hope that the next major fast-bowling talent could emerge from Kashmir.
Referring to India pacer Umran Malik, the former cricketer said Kashmir had the potential to produce more players capable of bowling at high speeds.
“We saw Umran Malik a little bit. Again, he scores 150. There will be more such kids here,” he said.
Drawing from his own experience of playing against Jammu and Kashmir, Chopra said he had witnessed quality among local players but felt that opportunities had remained limited.
“I have played a lot against the J&K team actually, and I have enjoyed playing against them. There is quality, but there are no opportunities. So that’s what we are trying to do. We are trying to bring opportunities,” he said.
He said the objective should be to provide J&K players with the representation and exposure they deserve, while simultaneously developing a complete cricketing ecosystem around the sport.
Chopra pointed out that a professional cricket league creates opportunities beyond playing roles, including employment for coaches, support staff, logistics managers, broadcasters and other professionals associated with the game.
“There is everything in the ecosystem. There are coaches, there are support staff, there are logistics managers. So there is employment opportunity,” he said.
He also referred to Kashmiri commentator Vivek Rajdan, praising his contribution to cricket broadcasting and expressing hope that the growth of the league would create opportunities for aspiring broadcasters from the region.
Offering advice to budding commentators, Chopra urged them to develop their own identity instead of merely imitating established voices.
“Be a good student of the game. Understand the game. Live the game. And just don’t follow anyone. Create your own personality, your own style,” he said.
Chopra also emphasised that commentators should always keep the sport at the centre of their work.
“Many times, we broadcasters make a mistake. We are guilty as charged. More than the sport, we start giving importance to ourselves,” he said.
He added that the game should remain the priority, while commentators should merely enhance the experience for viewers.
“The game is God, and we all try to embellish it a little bit,” Chopra said.
Reflecting on the changing cricketing infrastructure in Kashmir, Chopra said the availability of turf grounds at the local level was a major positive development.
He recalled that during his own playing days, youngsters often had to travel long distances to access turf wickets, while many village-level matches were played on mats.
“When I used to play in my village, we didn’t have many opportunities. We used to play cricket on the mat. When we had to come 50 km away from Srinagar, we used to play on the turf,” he recalled.
Chopra said the situation has improved significantly, with turf facilities increasingly becoming available in villages and districts across the Valley, giving youngsters a better environment to develop their skills.
He said exposure to established players could further inspire young cricketers and help them understand the demands of professional cricket.
Meanwhile, former India opener Shikhar Dhawan also backed the Pro Star Cricket League, describing its concept as a strong platform for young and emerging cricketers.
Dhawan said the opportunity to play alongside experienced and established players could provide youngsters with valuable exposure that cannot easily be gained at the local level.
“Their concept is very good. It is a big platform for young players to come and play in this league,” Dhawan said.
He said playing in front of a wider audience and sharing the dressing room with experienced cricketers could help young players understand the professional environment.
“They get a feel of the atmosphere, how the players think, how the leader leads,” Dhawan said.
He expressed confidence that the league would generate excitement among cricket fans in the region while simultaneously giving local players an opportunity to showcase their talent.
With prominent cricket personalities backing the initiative, the Pro Star Cricket League is being positioned as a platform aimed at combining entertainment, professional exposure and grassroots talent development, with a particular focus on creating more opportunities for young cricketers in Jammu and Kashmir.
