Cricket in Jammu and Kashmir: What's India's record, and history in Kashmir?

Cricket in Jammu and Kashmir: What's India's record, and history in Kashmir? (source: Kashmir life)

India witnessed a terrible attack on tourists who were in the Pahalgam valley in Kashmir. Since then, there has been outrage over Pakistan and anything related to 's neighbouring country. A reported help from the locals has led to anger from the rest of the country towards the citizens and the region of Kashmir.

There has been a demand from many for the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) to stop playing matches against Pakistan for the foreseeable future. Kashmir, which has the Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium, has a history of hosting a few international matches. The venue hasn't hosted any match at the highest level for nearly four decades due to security reasons and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) occupying it.

For 18 years, the CRPF had its base at the stadium, which meant no cricket was played in that period. Many political rallies took place in the 21st century. However, the 1980s were the last time when an international cricket match took place at the venue, which has a capacity of 12000.

India's cricket history in Jammu and Kashmir

A total of two international matches have happened at the venue, both featuring India. Unfortunately for the home side, they lost in both instances. In 1983, Kapil Dev's men faced the world's best team, Clive Lloyd's West Indies, after winning the historic ODI World Cup. India lost the match by 28 runs in a rain-affected game.

The venue last hosted an international match on September 9, 1986. India faced Australia in an ODI and lost it by 3 wickets in a thrilling low-scorer. Batting first, India scored 222/8 on the back of Sunil Gavaskar's 52(56). Allan Border played a fine knock and scored an unbeaten 90*(106), which helped Australia's win.

Since 1986, the venue hasn't hosted a major match at the highest level. Kashmir has turned out to be a highly sensitive area in the last 4 decades. Due to no upgradation of infrastructure and safety concerns, BCCI hasn't chosen Kashmir as a venue for any match since then.