AJK PM unveils trophy for ‘PM Gold Cup’ T20 tournament

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore on Friday unveiled the trophy for the “PM Gold Cup” T20 cricket tournament, describing the event as an effort to promote healthy activities among youth and encourage cricket talent across the region. 

The trophy unveiling ceremony was held at the Prime Minister’s House in Muzaffarabad and attended by Minister for Forests Sardar Javed Ayoub, Minister for Health Syed Bazil Ali Naqvi, former sports minister and chairman of the organising committee Saleem Butt, SCO Sector Commander Col Javed Yousaf, senior government officials and organisers of the tournament. 

The tournament will be held from May 15 to 23 at the Muzaffarabad Cricket Stadium, featuring 10 teams representing districts of AJK along with two teams of 1989 migrants from occupied Kashmir — Jammu Janbaz and Srinagar Markhor. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Rathore said the event would provide healthy recreational opportunities to the younger generation and help channel their energies towards constructive pursuits. 

He expressed the hope that people would attend the matches in large numbers to encourage sports activities and support the players. 

“Sports and cultural activities bring positive change in society and help utilise the energies of youth in the right direction,” he said, adding that increasing participation in rural-level matches reflected the younger generation’s keen interest in sports. 

The prime minister formally inaugurated the tournament by facing a ceremonial delivery and later signed a bat presented by the organisers. 

Talking to the media on the occasion, Mr Butt said the opening ceremony on May 15 would feature a cultural show and an exhibition match between Parliamentarians XI and Media XI. 

He said nationally and internationally known Pakistani cricketers would participate in the tournament alongside talented young players from AJK. 

“The tournament will not only promote cricket in AJK but also provide a valuable platform to young players to demonstrate their abilities,” he said. 

A lucky draw scheme has also been announced for spectators under which a motorbike will be awarded against every Rs100 ticket during each match, including the opening ceremony.

Tariq Naqash