In an inspiring move that combines the power of sports with community engagement, Red FM successfully concluded the Red Premier League (RPL) – Jammu and Kashmir’s largest cricket festival. With an astounding 50 million social media views, the RPL shattered social media records in Kashmir, becoming a trendsetter.
It trended on Facebook for a remarkable 22 days, capturing widespread attention and reinforcing its impact. The league’s popularity was evident, with record-breaking crowds filling the stands at DPS Srinagar and over 10,000 eager fans gathering outside the stadium for the finals, which had to be rescheduled due to high demand.
RPL’s massive popularity even impacted local infrastructure, with citywide traffic jams leading to a venue change on the final day to accommodate the huge crowds.
This cricket league not only marked a significant chapter in Kashmir’s sports narrative but also underscored Red FM’s commitment to fostering unity and positivity in the region with youth engagement at its core.
The RPL stood out as Kashmir’s biggest cricket tournament, setting a new standard in local sports and bringing over 250 players, including prominent Ranji and IPL players, into the spotlight.
Over 50 players from across India joined, adding a competitive edge and national diversity to the league. Hosted at the Delhi Public School in Srinagar, the tournament brought together 12 teams in a series of 37 thrilling matches, running from September 17 to October 22, 2024. Through RPL, Red FM pioneered a unique foray into professional cricket, creating a profound connection with Jammu and Kashmir while extending its impact beyond radio.
Nisha Narayanan, Director and COO of Red FM and Magic FM, had expressed the event’s significance in a heartfelt LinkedIn post, saying, “To us, sports is a powerful platform to connect with audiences beyond the limitations of radio. From cricket-centric podcasts to on-air campaigns, the game has always been a part of our DNA, but we are now taking it a few notches higher (literally and metaphorically speaking).
“It gives me immense joy to introduce our humble initiative, the Red Premier League, a cricket league in Srinagar, Kashmir. In our endeavour to build communities, we are taking the IP to a more local level to engage communities meaningfully,” Narayanan said.
Narayanan also acknowledged Kashmir’s unique resilience and spirit, adding, “Kashmir has also been through an awful lot; it’s time to introduce something uplifting and unifying, and RPL offered that fresh and positive avenue for the region.”
This initiative represented Red FM’s ongoing dedication to sports as a core element of its programming and cultural evangelism. Since its rebranding as “Bajaate Raho,” the network has broadened its reach into sports through projects like the Quiz India Movement, Crowd Bajayega Loud, Umeed Ki Run, and partnerships with major events such as the Global Chess League, Pro Panja League, World Cup Hockey, and the Ladakh Marathon.
Reflecting on the importance of cricket within Red FM’s sports initiatives, Narayanan shared, “Among these ventures, cricket holds a special place, something we just cannot ignore and the Red Premier League (RPL) in Srinagar, Kashmir, marked our significant contribution to the region. With overwhelming support from the state government, RPL brought positive energy and unity to Kashmir.”
The RPL showcased high-quality turf wickets and state-of-the-art facilities and lighting, setting a new standard for cricket events in the region. Each match was streamed live on Red FM JK’s YouTube channel, enhancing accessibility and excitement for cricket lovers across Jammu and Kashmir. Designed to foster both experience and youth, each team in the league featured up to four national-level players and at least one Under-19 player, creating a balanced mix of seasoned talent and fresh promise from grassroots participants.
Due to overwhelming demand, the league’s grand finale, initially scheduled for October 17, was rescheduled to October 22 at Bakshi Stadium. This adjustment highlighted the unprecedented support and enthusiasm that the Red Premier League generated in Kashmir, setting a historical milestone as the biggest cricket tournament in Kashmir’s history and signaling a promising future for sports and community engagement in the region.
