Hill View Rajouri Triumphs in Brig Usman Premier League 2025-26
Hill View Rajouri Claims Victory
On Thursday, Hill View Rajouri secured the Brig Usman Premier League (BUPL) 2025-26 title by defeating FCC Bajabain by 30 runs in Rajouri. This tournament was organized by the Indian Army.
Player Commends Army's Initiative
Sajid Khan, a member of the winning team, expressed his gratitude towards the Indian Army and local authorities for hosting the event. He stated, "The tournament was excellently organized by the Indian Army. Sixteen teams participated, and our team, Hill View Rajouri, faced FCC Bajabain in the final. We are thrilled to have won the cup. We appreciate the Indian Army and the Rajouri district administration for their efforts and hope for more tournaments like this in the future. This event was unique, with Rs 4 lakhs awarded to the winners, Rs 2 lakhs to the runners-up, Rs 50,000 for the 'Player of the Tournament,' and Rs 5,000 for the 'Player of the Match.' I have never participated in such a well-structured event before."
Encouragement for Youth to Embrace Sports
Sajid also delivered an important message to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, urging them to abandon drug use and engage in sports for a better lifestyle. He remarked, "Drug addiction is a significant issue that is harming the youth of J&K. I encourage them to participate in sports and extracurricular activities. Doing so will enhance their lives."
Call for Enhanced Infrastructure and Talent Recognition
Sajid appealed to both the Jammu and Kashmir government and the central government for improved sports infrastructure, advocating for a transition from matting wickets to turf wickets. He highlighted local talents like Abdul Samad and Yudhvir Singh Charak, who have played in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and mentioned Aquib Nabi Dar from Baramullah, who was signed by Delhi Capitals for Rs 8.40 crores. He stated, "I urge the government to continue organizing such tournaments and to invest in proper infrastructure. While the ground was good, the wicket was not up to standard. We need to upgrade to turf pitches to allow our players to excel and bring pride to India and J&K. There is no shortage of talent here, as evidenced by players like Abdul Samad and Yudhvir Singh Charak in the IPL, and Aquib Nabi Dar's recent auction success."
Highlighting Local Star Aquib Nabi Dar
During the bidding for Aquib, Delhi Capitals initiated the process, with Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru later joining in. As the bid surpassed Rs 1 crore, Rajasthan Royals withdrew, leaving RCB and DC to compete, with Sunrisers Hyderabad also entering the bidding. Ultimately, Delhi Capitals secured him for Rs 8.40 crores.
Aquib's Remarkable Domestic Performance
In the current Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Aquib has taken 15 wickets at an average of 13.26, including a four-wicket haul. Across 34 T20 matches, he has claimed 43 wickets at an average of 21.81, featuring two four-wicket hauls. In the ongoing Ranji Trophy, he has achieved 29 wickets in five matches at an average of 13.27, with one four-wicket haul and three five-wicket hauls, including his best figures of 7/24 against Rajasthan.
Aquib, a talented new-ball bowler from Baramullah, has also shown significant improvement with the older ball.