Valley Star Drass won the Dardic Legends Pandrass Cricket Premier League Cricket Tournament, scoring 158/7 in 20 overs, while Tigers Club Drass scored 154 runs to finish as the runners-up.

The Dardic Legends Pandrass Cricket Premier League Cricket Tournament concluded at KBS Drass on September 24. The tournament witnessed enthusiastic participation from 25 teams, providing a competitive platform for local cricketing talent.

Deputy Commissioner Imteeaz Kacho (JKAS) attended the concluding ceremony as the Chief Guest, while Superintendent of Police Ishtiyaq Kacho (JKPS) also graced the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, the Superintendent of Police appreciated the efforts of both finalist teams for displaying excellent sporting spirit and competitive cricket. He emphasized the need to further improve sporting infrastructure, including grassing and development of the cricket ground, with the long-term objective of creating facilities capable of hosting higher-level cricket tournaments and matches.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner congratulated the winning team, runners-up, organizers and all participating teams. He asserted that sports contribute not only to physical strength and fitness but also to mental alertness, discipline, teamwork and confidence.

The Deputy Commissioner encouraged the organizers to conduct such sporting activities regularly and stressed that future tournaments should be organized in a professional, disciplined and time-bound manner, with proper facilities for players and spectators. He said that such tournaments provide local youth with a valuable platform to showcase their talent and develop their sporting abilities.

The Deputy Commissioner also underlined the importance of keeping young people actively engaged in sports, productive activities and skill development. Referring to small initiatives such as tea and refreshment stalls around sporting events, he observed that such activities can also provide opportunities for youth to develop entrepreneurial and livelihood skills.

Emphasizing the message of a drug-free society, the Deputy Commissioner urged the youth to stay connected with sports and positive activities and appealed for collective cooperation in protecting young people from substance abuse. He reiterated the message, “Say Yes to Life, No to Drugs.”

He further expressed the administration’s commitment to promoting sports in Drass and said efforts would be made to provide better facilities and more opportunities for local players. He also appreciated the standard of the final match, including the performance of both teams and the quality of umpiring.

Individual honours were presented to Israr Ahmad as Player of the Match, Zeeshan Hyder as Best Batter and Mohd Mujtaba as Best Bowler.

The tournament was organized by a committee comprising Muzammil Ahmad, Irshad, Habibullah, Mudassir and Waqar. The organizers thanked the District Administration, participating teams, players and spectators for their cooperation and support in making the tournament successful.

The event concluded with the presentation of awards and recognition to the winning and runner-up teams, as well as outstanding individual performers.