Srinagar: One of the prime cricket tourneys played in Kashmir, Downtown Champions League, was scheduled to be played after ‘Eid-ul-Fitr’ but has been now cancelled by the owners.
The tourney was making a comeback after two year break as early reported. Though, now ‘abondoned’ due to the prevailing situation in Valley, according to the statement published by CEO, Naseer Bhat.
The statement reads,
“Dear All,
You all might be knowing that from last three months we were working very hard to conduct Khyber Downtown Champions League 2018 successfully, but unfortunately due to the current situation in valley we have decided to cancel the said tournament for this year as the situation is not conducive for playing cricket.
We have to keep this in our minds that we are muslims and Kashmiri’s first then cricketers. As a Kashmiri we cannot play cricket while our brothers and sisters are mercilessly being killed. We thought many a times to keep the game of gentleman’s away from politics but our hearts doesn’t give us permision to play while seeing blood beng spilled on roads. Perhaps those killed could have become the next Sachin’s or Kohli’s but a bullet has shatered all the dreams.
Let us all stay, sit and think together during these tough times for a better future for our next generation.
Thank you.” Nasser Bhat (CEO, DCL)