Srinagar, Aug 11: Kashmir Qalandars have been crowned champions of the 2026 Summer Edition of the Shah-e-Hamdan Cricket League, England, securing their third championship title and further cementing their position as the most successful team in the history of the Kashmiri Community League in the UK.
The final, as per a statement issued on Tuesday, played at the Shaheen Cricket Ground in Birmingham, produced an exciting contest in front of a strong gathering of families, friends and members of the Kashmiri community.
The victory marks another significant milestone for Kashmir Qalandars, who have now lifted the championship trophy three times, while also finishing runners-up on two occasions. Their remarkable consistency at the highest level has established them as the most successful side in the league's history.
The Qalandars produced a disciplined and determined all-round performance to overcome a formidable Kashmir Titans side, who had assembled a strong line-up featuring several players with considerable domestic cricket experience in India. However, when the biggest stage arrived, it was the collective strength, composure and determination of the Qalandars that ultimately proved decisive.
Led from the front by their skipper Omar Altaf, Kashmir Qalandars played the final with grit, dignity and compassion, displaying the spirit of the game both on and off the field.
The star performer of the final was captain Omar Altaf, who delivered a sensational spell, claiming four wickets for just 15 runs in 5.2 overs. His outstanding performance earned him the Man of the Match award and proved decisive in restricting the opposition at crucial stages of the contest.
Omar's contribution throughout the tournament was also recognised at the awards ceremony, where he was named Best Batsman of the Tournament after an outstanding performance in which he scored 228 runs, including three match-winning knocks. His consistent performances with the bat, combined with his decisive spell in the final, completed a memorable individual campaign alongside leading his team to championship glory.
Wasim, who had been clinical throughout both the tournaments with bat, also played a crucial role with the ball, claiming three important wickets and making a significant contribution at key stages of the final.
Tufail was awarded the most economical bowler of the tournament with some splendid spells and wickets throughout. In the finals, assisted with a great partnership with Omer Raja, Tufail produced a valuable innings of 41 runs, providing stability and helping lay the foundation for a competitive total. Bilal Ashraf began with a bang scoring a very aggressive 41, striking the ball cleanly and helping the Qalandars maintain the momentum during their innings.
The triumph was particularly significant for Kashmir Qalandars following two previous runner-up finishes in closely fought finals. The latest success reflects the team's resilience and determination to return stronger after narrowly missing out on previous occasions.
The championship was also a reward for a team that consistently demonstrated togetherness, discipline and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. In a competition built around community, the Qalandars' campaign reflected the values of teamwork, respect and camaraderie, making their achievement all the more significant.
With three championship titles and two runner-up finishes, Kashmir Qalandars have now reached the final on five occasions, underlining a level of consistency that has made them the dominant force in the competition.
The Shah-e-Hamdan Cricket League, England, continues to bring together Kashmiri communities from across the UK, providing a platform for competitive cricket while strengthening community ties and encouraging sporting participation among current and future generations.
Speaking after the final, Kashmir Qalandars captain Omar Altaf also recognised the considerable effort and commitment that has gone into making the Shah-e-Hamdan Cricket League a success. He expressed his appreciation to everyone involved in organising and running the competition, acknowledging the time, dedication and hard work required to bring teams and communities together through cricket.
He extended a special appreciation to Tuffail Dar and the wider organising team for their continued efforts in developing the league and providing a platform for the Kashmiri community across the UK to come together, compete and build lasting friendships through the sport.
