DRASS: Valley Star Drass won the Dardic Legends Pandrass Cricket Premier League (PCPL) after defeating Tigers Club Drass by four runs in a closely fought final at KBS Drass, bringing the tournament involving 25 teams to a close.
Batting first, Valley Star Drass posted 158 for seven in 20 overs. Tigers Club Drass mounted a strong chase but were restricted to 154, handing Valley Star the championship title. Tigers Club finished runners-up.
The final was attended by Deputy Commissioner Kargil Imteeaz Kacho, JKAS, as Chief Guest, while Superintendent of Police Kargil Ishtiyaq Kacho, JKPS, was also present.
Addressing the gathering, the Superintendent of Police praised both finalists for their sporting spirit and competitive performance. He stressed the need to improve sports infrastructure in Drass, including the development and grassing of the cricket ground, with the aim of creating facilities capable of hosting higher-level tournaments and matches.
The Deputy Commissioner congratulated the winners, runners-up, participating teams and organisers, and said sporting activities contribute to physical fitness as well as discipline, teamwork, mental alertness and confidence.
He urged organisers to hold such tournaments regularly and ensure that future events are conducted in a more professional and time-bound manner, with adequate facilities for players and spectators. He said local tournaments provide young people with an opportunity to display their talent and gain competitive experience.
Kacho also called for greater youth participation in sports, productive activities and skill development. He noted that even small economic activities around sporting events, such as tea and refreshment stalls, could provide young people with opportunities to develop entrepreneurial and livelihood skills.
Calling for collective efforts towards a drug-free society, the Deputy Commissioner urged young people to remain engaged in sports and other constructive activities. He reiterated the message, “Say Yes to Life, No to Drugs,” and called for community support in preventing substance abuse among youth.
He said the administration would continue efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure and create more opportunities for local players. He also appreciated the standard of the final, particularly the performances of both teams and the quality of umpiring.
Individual awards were presented to Israr Ahmad (Player of the Match), Zeeshan Hyder (Best Batter) and Mohd Mujtaba (Best Bowler).
The tournament was organised by a committee comprising Muzammil Ahmad, Irshad, Habibullah, Mudassir and Waqar. The organisers thanked the District Administration, participating teams, players and spectators for their support. The tournament concluded with the presentation of trophies and individual awards to the winning and runners-up teams and outstanding performers.
