28 August 2022
The second edition of Kashmir Premier League ended on Friday; Mirpur Royals captained by Shoaib Malik clinched the crown due to a better tally on the points table. The season was severely dented by rain and all the play-offs, including the final were washed out. It turned out to be a season with an anti-climax.
Shadab Majeed was named man of the tournament, whereas Sharjeel Khan and Arshad Khan secured the awards for the batsman of the tournament and bowler of the tournament respectively.
The opening ceremony of the season was sumptuously electric, as the Kashmir Premier League commemorated 75 years of independence with a profound message of peace and love, flying doves were also showcased for a symbolic representation of peace in Azad, Jammu and Kashmir.
The opening match of the tournament took place between Rawalakot Hawks and Jammu Janbaz it was spoiled by rain and the defending champions Rawalakot were declared winners in the inaugural game of the season.
The turning point of the tournament was Kotli Lions qualifying on the last day of the group stage as they chased the target in less than 12 overs vs Rawalakot Hawks. Before the start of the day, Kotli Lions were bottom of the table. The top 4 teams were Mirpur Royals, Bagh Stallions, Overseas Warriors and Kotli Lions.
Sohail Khan’s hattrick and Asad Shafiq’s memorable century was a glittering moment in the second season of Kashmir Premier League and it highlighted the entertaining essence of the tournament. The Muzaffarabad Tigers vs Overseas Warriors game also provided a nail-biting moment as the game went into the last over.
Champions Mirpur Royals looked like a balanced side throughout the tournament with budding youngsters Shadab Majeed, Hassan Nawaz and Ali Imran who contributed massively in elevating Mirpur to the top of the table. Abdul Razzaq also played a pivotal role as coach to get his side over the line in the group stages.
The closing ceremony provided a glimmer of hope for the next season, as renowned personalities of Kashmir Premier League, like Director Cricket Operations Rashid Latif and Owner of Bagh Stallions Tauqir Sultan Awan gave motivational speeches in how they will aim to make the next season grand.
The President Mr. Arif Malik, CEO Ch. Shahzad Akhtar also seemed high in spirits despite the rain disrupting the closing stages of the tournament. All the prizes were distributed among the top performers of the league and the trophy lift by the Mirpur Royals players and coaching staff gave a closure to an unfinished season.
It was a meek ending to the season; however, it produced lots of raw talent who can serve Pakistan in the future, players like Shadab Majeed, Hassan Nawaz, Ali Imran gave a clear message that they have the grit, determination and the essence to play for Pakistan.
