The Bakshi Stadium in the heart of Srinagar buzzed with excitement as thousands of cricket fans filled the stands for the Legends League Cricket (LLC) tournament. However, the atmosphere shifted to silence on Wednesday as the series wrapped up its Kashmir leg.
This marked a key moment for a venue traditionally used for football, now transformed to host major cricket events. While the initial aim was to bring the stadium up to FIFA standards, it was ultimately upgraded to accommodate over 30,000 spectators, establishing it as a prime venue for large-scale events like the LLC. Years of anticipation and renovation culminated in this sporting spectacle.
The LLC tournament, which started on October 9, attracted massive crowds eager to witness international cricket stars in action. The matches featured a star-studded lineup, including Dinesh Karthik, Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Chris Gayle, Hashim Amla, and Martin Guptill, among others. These big names brought a wave of excitement to the valley, and for many Kashmiris, seeing such stars live was a dream come true. A total of 18 players from across the globe participated in the tournament, creating a diverse and competitive atmosphere that Kashmir had not seen in decades. Teams such as India Capitals, Gujarat Giants, Konark Suryas, Manipal Tigers, Southern Superstars, and Urban Risers Hyderabad competed in seven thrilling matches. The tournament culminated in a nail-biting final on October 16, where the Southern Superstars defeated Konark Suryas Odisha in an intense Super Over, leaving the fans in awe of the spectacle they had witnessed.
