Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Saloni Rai today inaugurated the first edition of the Devika Premier League. The event marked a significant milestone in the sports history of the district by introducing player auction system, wherein players were selected by team owners through a competitive bidding process, lending the tournament a professional league format.
A total of eight teams are participating in the League. The Tournament shall be played in a league format, ensuring maximum participation and ample competitive exposure for the players. The inaugural ceremony was held in the presence of the District Youth Services and Sports Officer along with organisers, team owners, players and sports enthusiasts.
The Deputy Commissioner congratulated the organisers, team owners, sponsors and all stakeholders for conceptualising and successfully launching such a professionally structured cricket league at the district level. She lauded the initiative for providing a well-organised platform to local talent, promoting sportsmanship, discipline and active youth engagement.
Describing the Devika Premier League as a visionary step towards nurturing grassroots cricket, she said the tournament aligns district-level sports with national standards.