Editorial | Cricket Needs Clean Reform

Cricket in Kashmir is losing its soul. What was once a game of passion is now turning into a marketplace. Local tournaments, club selections, and even basic opportunities often come with a price tag. This shift is hurting genuine talent. It is pushing away players who cannot afford to pay.

Young boys still wake up early. They still practice on uneven grounds. They still dream of playing at higher levels. But many of them now face a harsh truth. Skill alone is not enough. Money is deciding who gets a chance.

In many local tournaments, entry fees have gone beyond reach. Teams demand high registration charges. Players are asked to contribute large sums to stay in squads. In some cases, selections depend on payments rather than performance. This creates a system where talent is ignored and money is rewarded.

This trend is dangerous. It discourages hard work. It sends a wrong message to young players. It tells them that effort has limited value. It tells them that connections and cash matter more.

Cricket has always been a strong force in Kashmir. It has kept youth engaged. It has provided direction. It has reduced the pull towards negative activities. But if the sport becomes a business at the grassroots level, this role will weaken.

Ordinary families cannot afford high costs. A basic cricket kit itself is expensive. Travel, coaching, and diet add more burden. When entry into tournaments also requires money, many players drop out. They step away not because they lack talent, but because they lack resources.

This creates a narrow pool of players. Only those with financial support continue. This is not how sports grow. Strong systems are built on wide participation. The more players compete, the better the quality becomes. When access is restricted, standards fall.

There is also a lack of regulation. Many local tournaments operate without proper oversight. Organisers set their own rules. There is no transparency in selection or fee structure. This opens space for misuse.

Cricket bodies in J&K need to act. They must set clear guidelines for local tournaments. They must cap entry fees. They must ensure fair selection trials. Every player should get a chance based on merit.

Clubs also need reform. Many clubs charge high seasonal fees. They promise exposure but fail to deliver. Some focus more on collecting money than developing players. This approach must change. Clubs should focus on training, discipline, and performance.

Schools and colleges can play a key role. They should promote cricket without high costs. They should organise regular matches. They should provide basic facilities. This will help identify talent early.

Government support is also important. Grounds need maintenance. Coaching centres need funding. Equipment should be made available at subsidised rates. Small steps can make a big difference.

Private sponsors can contribute. Instead of funding only big events, they should support grassroots cricket. They can sponsor kits for underprivileged players. They can support local leagues with strict rules on fairness.

Parents also face a challenge. They invest in their children’s dreams. But when they see money deciding outcomes, they lose trust. This damages the overall system. Restoring trust is essential.

Media has a role too. It should highlight genuine talent. It should expose unfair practices. It should focus on stories of struggle and success without influence of money.

Cricket is more than a game in Kashmir. It is a pathway. It is a hope for many. Turning it into a paid entry system will break this hope.

There are still positive signs. Many coaches work honestly. Many tournaments are organised with fairness. Many players continue to fight despite challenges. These efforts need support.

Action must be timely. If this trend continues, the damage will be deep. Talent will go unnoticed. Interest will decline. The quality of cricket will suffer.

The solution is simple. Make the system fair. Keep costs low. Reward performance. Ensure transparency.

If cricket in Kashmir is protected today, it will produce strong players tomorrow. If it is left to money, it will lose its purpose.

The choice is clear. Protect talent or promote money. The future of cricket in Kashmir depends on this decision.