Jammu Kashmir cricketer Yawar Ayoub set for IHPL debut with international stars.
Yawar Ayoub, a rising right-handed batsman from Doda in Jammu & Kashmir, has secured a spot in the inaugural Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL), a T20 cricket tournament starting October 24 at Bakshi Stadium, according to details compiled by Tahir Rihat.
The 28-year-old batsman, also known as Yawar Khan, will represent his team in the IHPL, organized by the Yuva Society. Ayoub has built a strong domestic record, representing Jammu & Kashmir in key competitions such as the Col. C.K. Naidu Trophy in the 2019-20 season, the Inter-University Championship in 2020-21, and the Under-25 List A Trophy in 2022-23. He also contributed significantly for the Jammu squad in the finals of the JKCA Senior Men’s One-Day Cup in 2023, as reported by The Chenab Times.
Ayoub’s selection follows impressive showings in recent trials for the Under-25 One-Day Trophy at the JKCA ground in Jammu. He scored an unbeaten 79 off 65 balls in the first match and 81 off 75 in the second, totaling 160 runs across two games. These performances earned him a place in the 20-member J&K Under-25 squad for the upcoming tournament in Hyderabad. The trials were conducted under the supervision of a JKCA committee, including Brigadier Anil Gupta, former India all-rounder Mithun Manhas, and members of the Cricket Advisory Committee.
The IHPL features eight teams in a round-robin format, culminating in semi-finals and a final on November 7. The league aims to showcase emerging local talent alongside international stars, with confirmed overseas players including West Indies opener Chris Gayle, Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, New Zealand’s Martin Guptill, Zimbabwe pacer Christopher Mpofu, and Australia’s Shaun Marsh. The opening match is set for October 24 at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, with full schedules and team compositions expected soon.
This debut marks a milestone for Ayoub and highlights the growing platform for Chenab Valley cricketers in regional T20 leagues. The tournament is anticipated to boost local interest in Jammu Kashmir sports, providing opportunities for players from backward areas to gain exposure. Based on verified sources reviewed by Tahir Rihat, the IHPL could inspire more youth participation in cricket amid the region’s evolving sports landscape.