Night matches to add fresh excitement at General Bipin Rawat Stadium in Baramulla
Saqib Nabi
Baramulla, Sept 8: The Chinar Women’s Premier League (CWPL) 2026 is emerging as a significant platform for women’s cricket in the region, with 12 teams from across Kashmir competing for the championship and a women’s team from Ladakh making its historic debut in the tournament.
An initiative of the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps (15 Corps), the league aims to provide young women cricketers with a structured competitive platform where they can showcase their talent, gain valuable match experience and pursue their sporting ambitions.
The participation of the Ladakh women’s team has added a new dimension to the tournament, marking an important milestone in strengthening sporting ties between Kashmir and Ladakh. The players are competing alongside teams from different parts of Kashmir in an atmosphere of healthy competition, camaraderie and sportsmanship.
The tournament has also generated considerable enthusiasm among local residents, particularly young girls, who see such initiatives as an encouragement for more women to take up cricket and other sports.
With 12 teams battling for the coveted title, the competition has witnessed keen contests, with players looking to make their mark through strong performances and attract attention at a broader level.
The excitement is expected to rise further with the introduction of night matches at the General Bipin Rawat Stadium in Baramulla. Matches under floodlights will not only add a new dimension to the league but also give participating cricketers valuable exposure to a professional-style playing environment.
For many of the young players, the CWPL represents much more than a cricket tournament. It offers an opportunity to build confidence, sharpen skills, gain competitive experience and aspire to progress to higher levels of the sport.
A woman cricketer participating in the league expressed gratitude to the Indian Army for organising the tournament and creating opportunities for young players.
“We are very happy with this tournament and hope the Indian Army will organise even more such tournaments in the coming days. We are especially thankful to the GOC 19 Division and the CO of 46 Rashtriya Rifles for supporting us and giving us such a big platform to showcase our talent,” she said.
Local residents have also welcomed the initiative, saying that tournaments of this scale can inspire a new generation of girls to take up cricket and provide them with opportunities to develop their sporting potential.
The combination of 12 competing teams, the historic participation of Ladakh and the introduction of night cricket has given the 2026 edition of the Chinar Women’s Premier League added significance.
As the league progresses, attention will now turn to the teams competing for the championship, with players from Kashmir and Ladakh hoping to translate their talent, determination and hard work into a title-winning campaign.
