Red FM recently wrapped up the Red Premier League (RPL), Kashmir’s largest-ever cricket festival, underscoring its commitment to sports, unity, and youth engagement.
The league has taken social media by storm, racking up 50 million views and trending on Facebook for an incredible 22 days. Drawing a massive crowd both online and offline, the RPL set new standards for sports events in the region, creating an atmosphere of excitement that extended well beyond the cricket field.
The enthusiasm surrounding RPL was palpable, with record-breaking crowds filling the stands at the Delhi Public School (DPS) in Srinagar. Over 10,000 fans gathered for the finals, prompting an unexpected change of venue due to the overwhelming demand. The match was ultimately held at Bakshi Stadium on October 22, after the initial October 17 date was rescheduled to accommodate the massive influx of fans and ensure safety.
Citywide traffic jams and full stadiums underscored the league’s reach and impact on Kashmir’s local infrastructure, spotlighting a remarkable community-driven event that drew together fans from all walks of life. The RPL’s success demonstrated the unifying power of sports and solidified Red FM’s role as a positive influence in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Red Premier League brought together 12 teams and over 250 players, including national-level talents and promising young athletes, in a series of 37 matches. Hosted from September 17 to October 22, the tournament featured notable players from India’s Ranji and IPL circuits alongside local stars, making it a melting pot of talent and experience. Each team was balanced with seasoned national players and local Under-19 participants, encouraging mentorship and providing a platform for young players to shine.
Nisha Narayanan, Director and COO of Red FM and Magic FM, shared her enthusiasm for the project, saying, “To us, sports is a powerful platform to connect with audiences beyond radio. From cricket-centric podcasts to on-air campaigns, cricket has always been part of our DNA. The Red Premier League is our way of engaging communities at a local level in meaningful ways.”
Reflecting on the importance of the event to Kashmir, Narayanan highlighted the resilience of the region, stating, “Kashmir has been through a lot, and RPL offered an uplifting, unifying avenue for its people. This cricket league is not only about sports but about building community and bringing positive energy to the region.”