Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium


Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium is a cricket stadium located in Srinagar. It is home to the JKCA and Jammu and Kashmir cricket team which represents the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir in the Ranji Trophy and other domestic tournaments in the country. National Cricket Academy is currently constructing an indoor complex at the stadium.

International cricket

The venue has hosted two One Day International matches. In the first match India played West Indies on 13 October 1983. India batted first, but the match was affected due to the protests by Kashmiris digging the pitch during the lunch interval. When the match resumed, rain and dust storms affected the play, and India scored 176 all out. West Indies scored 108 for no loss in 22.4 overs before rain ended play, and West Indies were declared winners as the revised target was 81 in 22 overs. Desmond Haynes, who scored 55 not out, was named Man of the Match.
In the second match India took on Australia on 9 September 1986. India batted first, and a superb 52 off 56 balls by Sunil Gavaskar helped India score 222 for 8. In reply Australia achieved the target with 3 wickets in hand and 6 balls to go. Allan Border scored 90 not out off 106 balls and was named Man of the Match.

Use by the security forces and other activities

The venue was occupied by the Central Reserve Police Force for 18 years during which the city has seen a lot of militant violence.
The National Conference held a special session at Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in 2002 to elect a new president. In 2003, then Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee addressed a rally at the ground which was attended by 20,000 people.

Revamp

In November 2007, the CPRF decided to vacate the venue. The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association has planned to renovate the stadium. First-class cricket resumed there in 2009.