SRINAGAR, SEPT 15: Sultan Warriors Baramulla emerged as the champions of the inaugural Chinar Premier League (CPL) Cricket Tournament 2026, defeating Ramzii Sports Srinagar by 40 runs in a high-intensity final played at the Gen Bipin Rawat Stadium, Baramulla.
The grand finale brought the curtain down on a tournament that witnessed an unprecedented response from cricketing teams across the Kashmir Valley and emerged as a major sporting platform for the region’s young and emerging cricketers.
The CPL 2026 recorded the participation of 130 teams, out of which 79 teams were selected from different parts of the Kashmir Valley for the tournament.
The scale of participation and competitive contests throughout the championship established the inaugural edition as one of the region’s widely followed cricketing events.
In the title clash, Sultan Warriors Baramulla produced a strong batting performance to post 182 runs for the loss of nine wickets.
Ramzii Sports Srinagar, chasing the target, came under sustained pressure and were eventually bowled out for 142 runs, allowing Sultan Warriors to seal a comprehensive 40-run victory and claim the coveted inaugural CPL trophy.
Aaqib Khanday of Sultan Warriors Baramulla was adjudged Man of the Match for his impressive contribution in the decisive encounter, while his teammate Asim Bashir was named Man of the Series in recognition of his consistent performances during the tournament.
The closing ceremony was attended by J&K Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and the GOC, Dagger Division, besides distinguished guests, representatives of the local community and cricket enthusiasts.
The tournament provided talented youngsters from across Kashmir with an opportunity to compete on a common platform, display their cricketing abilities and gain exposure through high-level competitive matches.
The successful completion of the championship is expected to further encourage young sportspersons to pursue cricket and other sporting disciplines with greater confidence.
The CPL 2026 also served as an important platform for strengthening the relationship between the Indian Army and the local community, with a particular focus on engaging and empowering the youth.
The initiative highlighted the role of sports in promoting teamwork, discipline, healthy competition and a positive outlook among youngsters.
The successful conclusion of the inaugural edition has also generated greater interest among cricketing circles across the Valley, with the tournament emerging as a promising avenue for identifying and nurturing local sporting talent.
