Srinagar, July 18: The Shah-e-Hamadan Cricket Tournament 2025, held in England, has officially concluded with Kashmir Downtown Cricket Club being crowned as the champions. The final match was played between Kashmir Downtown and Kashmir Qalandars, ending in a thrilling finish.
Kashmir Qalandars batted first in the final and posted a total of 185 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their allotted 35 overs. In response, Kashmir Downtown chased down the target by scoring 189 for 4, securing a 6-wicket victory. The match remained tense until the very end, with the winning runs being scored on the penultimate ball of the game.
This was the first edition of the Shah-e-Hamadan Cricket Tournament, which took place from May to July 2025. A total of six teams participated, all representing the Kashmiri diaspora in the United Kingdom. The teams included Kashmir Qalandars, Kashmir Downtown, Kashmir Midlands, Kaeshir Shahzads, Northern Tabardars, and Solihull Shaheens.
All matches were hosted at different venues across the Midlands region of England, with the final played at Bentley Cricket Club ground, located near Sheffield.
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The tournament was not only a sporting event but also a celebration of Kashmiri culture and community. All participating players belonged to the Kashmiri community, and the final saw around 100 community members in attendance. Guests were welcomed with traditional nun chai (salt tea), and rice-based dishes were served for lunch.
Organisers described the tournament as being filled with incredible performances, emotional moments, dramatic turnarounds, and, most importantly, a strong sense of unity among Kashmiris living in England.
With its success, the Shah-e-Hamadan Cricket Tournament is expected to become an annual event, bringing together sport and culture in a unique celebration of Kashmiri identity abroad.
