Sudeep Pakrashi
After the franchise-based football league in Kerala, Kashmir is now waiting for the launch of a similar franchise-based football league.
Following an initiative from a Kashmir-based corporate house, an independent body is set to be built-up which will conduct the franchise-based football league under the supervision of J&K Sports Council.
Considering plans so far, the League named Kashmir Super League (KSL) is likely to be staged in June where six to eight teams are expected to participate. Even plans have also been made to conduct an auction with the footballers.
It is believed that Kashmir-based leading corporate houses like Khyber Group of Hotels, and Arko Group have shown a desire to buy teams for the KSL and they are willing to conduct the League every year.
It is also learned that presently the independent body which will have the former international footballers from Kashmir also is trying to get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the League as most of the state’s prominent footballers are working at the state government’s different departments. That is why the organizers have put an option of roping foreign footballers as well as prominent footballers from other states if they fail to get NOCs for most of the state footballers.
The KSL will help the football in Kashmir to encourage the state’s young potential footballers to remain in the state and earn a worthy amount of money by playing in KSL. These potential young footballers generally try to play outside the valley once dishing out impressive performances for the state and get offers from outside.
Incidentally, the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council has already been nurturing grassroots talent, with officials highlighting the trials as part of broader efforts to elevate football in the region.
