In Photos: Amid Sub-Zero Temps, Snow Cricket Returns to Kashmir's Frozen Pitches
In Kashmir, the younger generation is stepping out to play cricket on frozen pitches in sub-zero temperatures.
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What comes to your mind when you hear the word 'cricket'? It's seldom Kashmir, or snow – or an icy, frozen pitch. But, year after year, the younger generation in and around Kashmir's Gurez Valley braves sub-zero temperatures to enjoy the game of cricket on frozen pitches. The Quint brings you photos of what is now popularly called 'snow cricket'!
(Photo: Umar Para/The Quint)
Located almost 127 km away from Srinagar, Gurez Valley lies in a peaceful, remote corner in the north of Kashmir – and is dotted with quaint villages. Twenty six-year-old local Zamir Lone poses for the camera.
(Photo: Umar Para/The Quint)
Twenty one-year-old Arif Hussian tries to catch the cricket ball on a frozen cricket field.
(Photo: Umar Para/The Quint)
Gurez Valley remains covered with snow for nearly six months. Yet, that does not dissuade youngsters from playing and enjoying cricket. Wicket-keeper Parvaiz is photographed here as he waits to catch the ball.
(Photo: Umar Para/The Quint)
Apart from locals, snow cricket recently caught global attention after Australian batting sensation, Marnus Labuschagne, re-shared a video of youngsters playing cricket on his Twitter timeline, commenting "How good is that."
(Photo: Umar Para/The Quint)
Batsman Javid Sheikh prepares himself to face the cricket ball in Dawar village in Kashmir's Bandipora district.
(Photo: Umar Para/The Quint)
The youngsters of three villages – Markoot, Achoora, and Dawar – in the border valley of Gurez, organise at least three snow cricket tournaments every year.
(Photo: Umar Para/The Quint)
Locals say that Gurez Valley has the potential to become a hub for winter sports. Photographed here are tournament organisers watching a game of cricket in Dawar village.
(Photo: Umar Para/The Quint)
Despite the heavy snow and harsh winds, the game must go on!
(Photo: Umar Para/The Quint)
Aerial view of a frozen cricket track in Tulail village in Bandipora, Kashmir.
(Photo: Umar Para/The Quint)
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