Irani Cup returns to Srinagar's Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium amid heightened security

SRINAGAR: Giant billboards greet visitors entering the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association premises in Srinagar’s high-security Church Lane.One features local cricketer Auqib Nabi, highlighting his Ranji performance and describing him as India’s No.1 fast bowler. Another celebrates the Jammu and Kashmir team as Ranji champions.The Sher-i-Kashmir stadium opens into a setting of towering chinar trees, with the Zabarwan mountain range visible ahead.Many describe it the country’s most beautiful cricket ground. Preparations for the Irani Cup, scheduled to start here from Thursday, are being given final touches. In the 5,000-capacity stadium invitations for the matches have been sent to a select audience, officials said, citing the stadium’s past history. “We don’t want to take any chances,” an official said. Only one gate would be used as the main entry point, while the others would remain closed.On Oct 13, 1983, during the first international cricket match here between India and the visiting West Indies, the Indian team — having won the World Cup only a few months before — faced an unexpected reaction from the crowd. The newly crowned world champion team was booed by sections of the crowd, while the West Indies cricketers — who won the game — unexpectedly felt at home in the Valley. Former captain Sunil Gavaskar later wrote in ‘Runs ’n’ Ruins’ that being hooted at after a defeat is understandable, but this was incredible. He also said there were many in the crowd shouting pro-Pakistan slogans which confounded them as they were playing the West Indies, and not Pakistan.A similar controversy erupted in Sept 1986 during a match between Australia and India at the same venue. Some youths dug up the pitch, prompting police to register an FIR during the initial stages of the game. The accused were later arrested on charges of damaging the pitch. Against this backdrop, the Irani Cup will headline a series of major cricket events at the venue, with three competitions being held back to back. “It is a big trophy for Jammu and Kashmir (to try to win),” a JKCA official said.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.