Chandigarh, Apr 14: In a rare convergence of sport and sentiment, the Journalist Premier League (JPL) 2026 has unfolded in Chandigarh as more than just a cricket tournament. Conceived as a tribute to journalists who are no longer alive, the T20 competition has evolved into a living memorial—one that binds the fraternity not only through the game but also through a shared responsibility towards those left behind.
Organised by the Punjab United Press Club (Registered), the tournament features teams from Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The competition began on April 10 and will culminate in the final scheduled for May 3.
According to the organisers, the initiative seeks to sustain engagement with the families of deceased journalists, many of whom gradually lose contact with the professional community over time. Club president Arshdeep Singh Samar said the effort is aimed at reinforcing support systems within the fraternity. The tournament, he noted, is intended to rebuild that connection and assure continued support. “The United Press Club stands with families of journalists who are no longer with us. This platform is meant to bring them closer to the fraternity,” he said.
The opening quarterfinal on April 10 saw Punjab secure a narrow seven-run win over Jammu and Kashmir at the Sector 16 Cricket Stadium in Chandigarh.
Batting first after winning the toss, Punjab posted 147 before being bowled out in 19.5 overs. Raj Thakur anchored the innings with a fluent 77 off 47 balls, while contributions from Pardeep Bali and Sunil Bali Jio helped maintain momentum.
In reply, Jammu and Kashmir finished at 140 for six in their allotted 20 overs. Pardeep Bali led the chase with 47, but the side fell short despite a late push. Rahul Khatri’s four-wicket spell proved decisive in restricting Punjab earlier and keeping the contest balanced, though the target ultimately remained out of reach.
In the April 11 fixture, Uttar Pradesh registered a 27-run victory over Chandigarh in another competitive outing at the same venue.
Batting first, Uttar Pradesh compiled 161 for six in 20 overs. Prahlad Singh Mawri struck 51, while Rishi Singh Sengar added 38 and Ashwani Sharma contributed 42, ensuring a steady scoring rate throughout the innings.
Chandigarh, in response, managed 134 for eight. Ashwani Sharma top-scored with 42, but regular breakthroughs curtailed the chase. Mayur Shukla delivered a standout bowling performance, claiming four wickets for 13 runs to tilt the match firmly in Uttar Pradesh’s favour.
The April 12 encounter saw Himachal Pradesh produce a commanding performance to defeat Delhi by nine wickets.
Delhi, having elected to bat, were dismissed for 81 in 17 overs following a collapse triggered by disciplined bowling. Amit Pandey (30) and Bramh Prakash Dubey (25) were the only notable contributors.
Himachal chased down the target in just 5.4 overs, losing only one wicket. Narveer Thakur’s unbeaten 49 off 21 deliveries ensured a swift finish, while Rimpu’s four-wicket spell earlier set up the victory.
While the matches have drawn attention for their competitive quality, organisers emphasised that the purpose extends beyond the field. The league is intended to bring together journalists across regions while reconnecting with families of those who are no longer part of the profession.
With matches still to be played before the final on May 3, the tournament continues to serve both as a sporting platform and a reminder of the fraternity’s shared responsibilities.
