The Kashmir Premier League (Urdu: کشمیر پریمیئر لیگ; abbreviated KPL) is a professional Twenty20 cricket league organized by Pakistan Cricket Board in Azad Kashmir. The league was founded in 2021. It consists of seven franchises; six teams representing major cities in Kashmir, while one team is representing the Kashmiri diaspora. Each team plays the group stage matches in a single round-robin tournament with the top four teams qualifying for the playoffs and ultimately for the final. Matches played in the Kashmir Premier League do not have official T20 status.

History

In December 2020, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Special Committee on Kashmir, Shehryar Khan Afridi launched the Kashmir Premier League in Azad Kashmir. The President of Azad Kashmir, Masood Khan, was appointed as the Chief Patron of the Kashmir Premier League. Ch. Shahzad Akhtar is the CEO and Arif Malik is the founding President of the Kashmir Premier League, and former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram is the founding Vice President. Shahid Afridi is the Brand Ambassador of the KPL. While, Shoaib Akhtar is the peace ambassador of the league. On 16 February 2021, the official anthem of the league was released. It was directed by Shaan Shahid and sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. Many Pakistani film celebrities, such as Juggun Kazim, Mehwish Hayat, Iman Ali, Ali Gul Pir, Neelam Muneer, and Ayesha Omar are brand ambassadors of the Kashmir Premier League. KPL has partnered with Shahid Afridi Foundation as a charity organization.

The league was initially scheduled to start in May 2021. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board moved the time window for its start to August 2021. On 14 June 2021, diamond category of the Kashmir Premier League was announced. On 2 August 2021, match fixtures for the inaugural season of the KPL were announced. On 6 August, the opening ceremony of the league was held, with 25% spectators allowed in the stadium. The KPL was showcased at Expo 2020 from 25 March to 27 March 2022. The showcase was hosted by Zaariya Khan and some attendees were Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Amir, Herschelle Gibbs and Wasim Akram. In May 2022, former Pakistani captain Rashid Latif was appointed as the KPL’s Director of Cricket Operations. A league committee was formed on 7 July 2022. Bagh Stallions’ co-owner, Tauqir Sultan Awan, was elected as its chairman.

The Kashmir Premier League (KPL) is a highly anticipated cricket tournament held in Pakistan. It is a professional Twenty20 league that showcases the immense talent and passion for cricket in the region of Kashmir. The tournament brings together top-notch cricketers from Pakistan and around the world to compete in a thrilling and fiercely competitive environment.

The KPL is not just a cricket tournament; it is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage and love for the sport in the picturesque region of Kashmir. The tournament aims to promote peace, unity, and harmony through the game of cricket, providing a platform for talented players to showcase their skills and entertain cricket enthusiasts.

The KPL features six teams representing different cities or regions within Kashmir, each with a unique identity and fan base. The teams are composed of a mix of local and international players, creating a diverse and exciting blend of cricketing talent. The tournament follows a round-robin format, where each team competes against the others to secure a place in the playoffs.

The matches are played in state-of-the-art cricket stadiums, providing a world-class experience for both players and spectators. The atmosphere is electric, with passionate fans cheering for their favorite teams and players. The KPL also attracts a global audience, with cricket enthusiasts from around the world tuning in to witness the thrilling matches and support their favorite teams.

The tournament not only provides entertainment but also serves as a platform for young and aspiring cricketers to learn from experienced professionals and gain exposure at a national and international level. It offers a pathway for talented players to showcase their skills and potentially earn opportunities to represent their country in international cricket.

The Kashmir Premier League is not just a cricket tournament; it is a celebration of the spirit of cricket, unity, and the beauty of Kashmir. It brings together people from different backgrounds and cultures, fostering a sense of camaraderie and promoting the values of sportsmanship and fair play. The KPL is a must-watch event for cricket enthusiasts, offering thrilling matches, exceptional talent, and a unique cultural experience.