Jammu and Kashmir likely to have an IPL team soon

Jammu and Kashmir might soon have an IPL team of its own, according to the state’s governor Satya Pal Malik. He mentioned that the state is working closely with the Indian Premier League and its authorities to bring in a Jammu and Kashmir team in the foreseeable future. Malik said he has spoken to IPL Chairman Rajiv Shukla regarding the idea of a J&K team, along with propositions of the state hosting some games during the tournament.

The state has already produced three cricketers who have featured in the IPL. Their most prominent player is Parvez Rasool, who has not only played 11 IPL games but has also donned the India jersey. Meanwhile, J&K also produced a cricketer in Manzoor Ahmad Dar, who was picked up by the Kings XI Punjab in the 2018 edition of the tournament for a price of Rs. 20 lakh. Finally, veteran cricketer Mithun Manhas is also a native of Jammu and has plied his trade in the IPL for many years. Having played for several teams, Manhas has now been appointed assistant coach of the Kings XI Punjab.

At the launch of the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS)’ programme in Srinagar, Malik said, “I am working with IPL Chairman Rajiv Shukla on the idea of having an IPL team for J&K. Very soon IPL matches will be played in J&K.”

How many IPL teams have we had?

Since its inception in 2008, there have been a total of 13 IPL teams over the last 11 seasons. Seven of the 8 original teams participated in the previous edition of the IPL, but there have been teams that were formed and subsequently sold or dissolved.

Deccan Chargers was sold off to make way for a new Hyderabad-based franchise called Sunrisers Hyderabad. Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Pune Warriors India, Rising Pune Supergiant and Gujarat Lions are four teams which are no longer in the mix of things in the annual tournament. The Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals were handed a two-year ban due to corruptions charges, but both teams are back into the IPL, with CSK racing to the trophy once again in 2018.

Currently, Jammu and Kashmir have the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium located in Srinagar. It is home to the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Team in the Ranji Trophy and has also hosted two international matches.

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