Srinagar to host first Ranji tie in 16 years

Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is all set to return to the Indian cricketing map. The exotic locale of the Himalayan valley will play host to a first-class game for the first time in 16 years when a series of Ranji Trophy matches of the 2006-07 season are held later this year.

"Teams from North India will play matches against Jammu and Kashmir in Srinagar this year," Peerzada Mohammad Syed, Minister for Youth Services and Sports, said today. It would be the first time that Ranji Trophy, India's premier domestic championship, matches will be played in Srinagar since the eruption of militancy in 1989-90.

Peerzada said he had directed the officers of his ministry to undertake necessary renovation of Bakshi stadium, indoor stadium and youth hostel, and also make lodging arrangements for the visiting players for the proposed Ranji Trophy matches.