Kashmir’s passion for cricket has transcended the traditional boundaries of the field, with many young people now turning to live streaming the sport as a source of income.
The cricket enthusiasts in Kashmir have embraced platforms like Facebook to broadcast local matches live, attracting thousands of viewers.
The growing trend not only provides financial opportunities for the youth but also engages a larger audience, amplifying the popularity of the sport in the region. This shift has created a vibrant community where viewers can follow their favorite local players and teams, fostering a deeper connection with the sport.
One of the youth from Budgam, who live streams the match on Facebook said that, alike him, dozens of young Kashmiris have successfully monetized their streams, earning money through advertisements and sponsorships.
This burgeoning industry highlights the entrepreneurial spirit of Kashmir’s youth and showcases the region’s rich cricketing talent.
Senior Cricketer, Omar Alam said that, “In this era of transformation and generation change, the Gen Z is more connected to the online world than ever before. Times have changed and minds have evolved. It’s encouraging to see people participating in the game through whatever means they can.”
He added that, “This shift has brought new players onto social media, providing them with the platform they need. Plus, it ensures that players get paid, which keeps them motivated.”
When asked if this trend is motivating young people, Omar Alam said, “Absolutely. Within seconds, you get recognized, and thousands of people watch you perform.”
Mohsin Kamal, said that, “Live streaming of local matches is great for entertainment. People watch and engage. But, if someone has to pursue a career in cricket, they have to work much harder. Being talked about on social media shouldn’t limit players from going an extra mile.”
When asked about the people earning from the monetization through Livestream, Mohsin Said that, “It is mostly done out of passion as far as I know. But if some people are earning from streaming matches, great for them. When I and my team at Kashmir Sports Watch (Kashmir’s only sports media outlet) did it, we would stream the matches for free. Just commentators were paid whatever tournament organisers felt was pleasant.”
One of the live streamers, Malik Javed shared his excitement, saying, “Live streaming has given us a platform to showcase our talent and reach a wider audience. It’s amazing to see people from different parts of the world tuning in to watch our matches.”
“It’s not just about playing cricket anymore. The interaction with fans during live streams is incredible. It feels like we’re building a cricketing family,” he added.
