Indian Army Conducts North Kashmir Women Cricket Championship Final at Hirri Kupwara

Kupwara : The 5th Edition of the North Kashmir Women’s Cricket Championship 2025 concluded on friday at Hirri, Kupwara. The tournament was organised by the Indian Army’s Kupwara Terriers from 29 September to 07 November 2025, drawing enthusiastic participation from across the region. Considered one of the most awaited sports events for women in North Kashmir, the championship witnessed spirited performances and remarkable sportsmanship.

A total of 16 women’s cricket teams featuring 280 players from the districts of Kupwara, Baramulla, and Bandipora participated in the championship.

The final match was contested between Handwara Titans and WCC Kupwara. Winning the toss, WCC Kupwara chose to bat first and posted a total of 88 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in the allotted 12 overs. Handwara Titans successfully chased the target in 11.4 overs, securing the title and lifting the North Kashmir Women’s Cricket Championship Season-V Trophy (2025).

Nusrat Irshad of Handwara Titans was declared the Player of the Series for her exceptional all-round performance, scoring 108 runs and claiming 5 wickets throughout the tournament.

Maryem of Royal Star Lolab bagged the Orange Cap for being the highest run-scorer, while Ifra Lefty of WCC Kupwara claimed the Purple Cap for taking 8 wickets in the championship.

The event was attended by prominent personalities including Mr. Bilal Qutub, Principal Higher Secondary School Hirri; Mr. Yahya Sultan, President Journalist Association Kupwara; and Mr. Rahie Mushtaq, reporter from a national television news channel.

The Commanding Officer, Kupwara Terriers, along with other Army officers, witnessed the final and presided over the closing ceremony. The winners and runners-up were awarded trophies and cash prizes to encourage young women to continue pursuing sports.

Speaking on the occasion, the Commanding Officer praised the determination and enthusiasm of the participating girls, especially those hailing from remote regions. He emphasized that sports play a crucial role in channelizing youth energy towards positive pursuits and help in curbing drug abuse and other social evils.

The Indian Army reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sports culture and empowering young women in North Kashmir by providing them platforms to showcase their talent and excel in their chosen fields.