Srinagar, August 28 (KNS) : The stage is set for the second season of the Khyber Cement Kashmir Super League (KSL), with the official jerseys of all six franchises and the coveted league trophy unveiled at the TRC Ground in Srinagar on Friday, a day ahead of National Sports Day.
The unveiling at the same venue where last season's final attracted a massive football crowd marked the beginning of a new chapter for the league, which has emerged as an important platform for young footballers in Jammu and Kashmir.
The ceremony came barely 24 hours after nearly 200 footballers went under the hammer during the Season 2 player auction, with all six franchises completing their squads. With the teams now fully assembled and their official jerseys unveiled, attention has shifted towards the battle for the KSL trophy.
Season 1 champions United Elegant FC will enter the new campaign as the team to beat after clinching the inaugural title in a dramatic penalty shootout. Their return adds another dimension to a competition where five other franchises will look to prevent the defending champions from retaining the crown.
The jersey and trophy unveiling ceremony was attended by Satish Sharma, Minister for Sports, J&K; Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services & Sports; Nuzhat Gul, Secretary, J&K Sports Council; Wasim Ahmed Khan, Chief of Sales & Customer Relations, Khyber Cement; franchise owners, sporting administrators, corporate partners and football stakeholders.
The presence of key government, sporting and corporate representatives highlighted the growing institutional and private-sector support for football in Jammu and Kashmir and the increasing importance of organised leagues in providing young players with competitive opportunities.
Speaking about Khyber Cement's association with the league, Umar Tramboo, Director Corporate & Strategy, Khyber Cement, said the company's partnership with the Kashmir Super League reflects its broader commitment to supporting communities and creating opportunities for young people.
“At Khyber Cement, we believe that the true measure of growth is not only how far a company moves forward, but how many people and communities it takes forward with it.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelOur association with the Kashmir Super League reflects this belief,” he said.
Wasim Ahmed Khan, Chief of Sales & Customer Relations, Khyber Cement, said the league provides the company with an opportunity to connect with people across Jammu and Kashmir through sport.
“The Kashmir Super League gives us an opportunity to connect with the people of Jammu & Kashmir through something that inspires genuine passion and pride. As a brand that has grown alongside the region, Khyber Cement is committed to initiatives that create meaningful engagement. Season 2 is a step forward in that journey,” he said.
The first season also produced encouraging results beyond the league's scorelines. Aazim Parvez and Abrar Ali, who were among the Emerging Player award winners in Season 1, have since earned call-ups to the India Under-17 national team camp, underlining the league's potential as a pathway for emerging football talent.
Season 2 aims to build on that foundation with six competitive franchises, a strengthened player pool and increased corporate support. The organisers said the objective is not only to provide entertainment and competition but also to create a sustainable platform through which young footballers from across Jammu and Kashmir can develop their skills and pursue opportunities at higher levels.
The league's broader vision also places emphasis on the values associated with sport, including discipline, teamwork, leadership, resilience and community participation.
With the unveiling taking place ahead of National Sports Day, the event also served as a statement of intent from government institutions, sporting bodies, corporate partners and football stakeholders to further strengthen the sporting ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.
With six teams ready, squads finalised and the trophy now unveiled, the Khyber Cement Kashmir Super League Season 2 is set for another competitive campaign—with the defending champions United Elegant FC carrying the pressure of defending their crown and five challengers determined to take it away.(KNS)