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Legends League allows long deprived fans to enjoy cricket again in Kashmir

Legends League allows long deprived fans to enjoy cricket again in Kashmir

Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir – When Wasif Ahmad, a 34-year-old shopkeeper from Srinagar, saw a billboard announcing the arrival of international cricket stars in his hometown, he promptly bought tickets and decided to shut his business on the day of the match. Ahmad, like thousands of cricket-mad Kashmiris, cared little for the lack of glitz and glamour in the Legends League Cricket (LLC) – a franchise-based T20 cricket league involving former international cricketers – he simply couldn’t miss an opportunity to watch a live cricket match. With the arrival of the LLC’s seven matches in Srinagar from October 9 to 16, cricket finally returned to Indian-administered Kashmir – one of the world’s most heavily militarised regions and synonymous with uprisings against the central Indian government’s control. Ahmad, an avid cricket fan, grew up playing the game and listening to his father’s tales about the two international cricket matches that Kashmir hosted in the 1980s – but had never been to one. “Seeing international cricketers play live [in Kashmir] felt like a distant dream to me,” Ahmad told Al Jazeera while watching the Gujarat Greats take on the Konark Suryas Odisha at Bakshi Stadium, the region’s oldest sports venue in the heart of Srinagar. Cricket fans of all age groups formed long snaking queues outside the stadium under the stern glare of security personnel. Families with young children and groups of women flocked to watch their first live cricket match. Inside the stadium, a vibrant crowd packed the stands ahead of the 7pm (13:30 GMT) game that stretched late into the night – a rarity in a city where nightlife has been non-existent amid decades of turmoil. Floodlights illuminated the ground and cast a glow over the nearby streets as loud music from the stadium’s public address system, coupled with the roaring chants of the crowd, filtered out of the 30,000-capacity venue. The presence of hundreds of armed security personnel in camouflaged uniforms and dozens of patrolling vehicles provided a stark reminder of everyday life in Kashmir – where peace and hostility often co-exist. Despite the challenges, the weeklong cricket extravaganza seemed to have brought a temporary escape from the region’s complex and often violent history. The Legends League Cricket tournament, which brought international cricketers back to Indian-administered Kashmir after 39 years, saw thousands of fans attend the matches at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar [Shuaib Bashir/Al Jazeera] Cricket’s fractured history in Kashmir Kashmir hosted its first international cricket match in October 1983, when some of cricket’s biggest names arrived in the valley as newly crowned world champions India hosted the then mighty West Indies in a one-day international (ODI) match at the Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar. The game was rocked by protests and ugly scenes as the spectators cheered for the West Indians in a mark of dissent. Some protesters entered the ground during the innings break and damaged parts of the pitch but the match was completed as the visitors won by 28 runs. In 1986, India hosted Australia in an ODI. The visitors also found unexpected support in the Kashmiri capital and beat the hosts by three wickets. Three years later, an anti-India armed rebellion erupted in the valley. The central government deployed nearly 700,000 troops to suppress the movement, making the region as one of the world’s most heavily militarised conflict zones. The Muslim-majority Himalayan region is split between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan, which rule over parts of the territory but claim it in its entirety and have fought three of their four wars over it. Tens of thousands of people have been killed in the decades-old conflict, most of them civilians. Hundreds of security checkpoints are spread across the valley to monitor locals’ movements. In August 2019, India scrapped a law that granted special status to the region, stripping Kashmir of the significant autonomy it had enjoyed for seven decades. The move was followed by an indefinite lockdown and a significant troop deployment to suppress protests. International cricket’s decades-long absence from Kashmir, then, is as unremarkable as the presence of hundreds of gun-toting security personnel in the environs of Bakshi Stadium. Students walk towards Bakshi Stadium under the gaze of security personnel in Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir [Shuaib Bashir/Al Jazeera] ‘A superficial attempt to showcase normalcy’ Bakshi Stadium, named after Jammu and Kashmir’s former prime minister Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad, has been a politically significant venue since its inauguration in the 1950s. In addition to hosting high-profile sports events, the stadium has also served as a venue for political rallies, but the armed rebellion that began in 1989 rendered the stadium non-functional and all sport events were suspended. When India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kashmir in March, he addressed a large crowd at Bakshi Stadium and promised a slew of developmental projects in the region. While the LLC’s seven matches have attracted thousands of entertainment-deprived cricket fans, many locals see the tournament’s presence in Kashmir through the prism of “enforced normalcy”. Kashmiris believe that Modi’s government has employed sport as a tool to project a peaceful image of the region, despite its fractious reality. Indian-administered Kashmir’s Chief Minister-designate Omar Abdullah, whose National Conference emerged as the single largest winning party in the recent elections, was also present at Bakshi Stadium and insisted he would encourage the upliftment of sport. For the thousands of cricket fans queueing at the stadium’s ticket booth, such as Seeban Farooq, the tournament’s popularity was a testament to the region’s “craze” for cricket but would do little to promote local cricketers. “These events have little to do with the upliftment of local talent,” he said. A young cricketer, who requested anonymity, told Al Jazeera that the LLC could “fuel the dreams” of aspiring Kashmiri cricketers – only to be crushed by the harsh reality. “Substandard infrastructure, lack of proper pitches and minimal facilities raise serious concerns about the future of cricket development in the region,” said the young player dressed in his all-white cricket attire. “It’s a superficial attempt to showcase normalcy while

Global conflicts driving up to 21,000 deaths daily from hunger: Report

Global conflicts driving up to 21,000 deaths daily from hunger: Report

Oxfam finds most food crises are ‘largely manufactured’ in new report published on World Food Day. Hunger caused by conflicts around the world has reached record high levels, a new report by Oxfam has found, which accuses warring parties of weaponising food and blocking aid. Between 7,000 to as many as 21,000 people are likely dying each day from hunger in countries affected by conflict, according to the report, published by the United Kingdom-based charity on World Food Day on Wednesday. Titled Food Wars, it examined 54 countries experiencing conflict, revealing that they account for nearly all of the 281.6 million people facing acute hunger today. Conflict has also been a major driver of forced displacement in these countries, which has now reached a record 117 million people. Oxfam emphasised that conflict not only fuels hunger, but that warring parties are actively using food as a weapon by targeting food, water and energy infrastructure, as well as blocking food aid. Palestinians receive food donated by a charity, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip [File: Haitham Imdad/EPA-EFE] In September, three humanitarian agencies warned of “a starvation crisis of historic proportions” amid Sudan’s civil war, while the proportion of households affected by high levels of acute food insecurity in Gaza has been the largest ever recorded globally since the end of last year. “As conflict rages around the world, starvation has become a lethal weapon wielded by warring parties against international laws,” said Oxfam’s Emily Farr, who works in the area of food and economic security. “Today’s food crises are largely manufactured. Nearly half a million people in Gaza – where 83 percent of needed food aid is currently not reaching them – and over three-quarters of a million in Sudan are starving as the devastating effects of wars on food are likely to persist for generations.” The analysis revealed that the crises of war, displacement and hunger occur in countries heavily reliant on primary product exports. For instance, 95 percent of Sudan’s export earnings come from gold and livestock. Mining operations have led to violent conflicts, forcing people from their homes as the degraded and polluted environments become unliveable. According to Oxfam, this underscores the failures of peace-building efforts that rely on an economic liberalisation model focused on attracting foreign investment and promoting export-driven economies, which often exacerbates inequality instead. “Large-scale private investment – both foreign and domestic – has often exacerbated political and economic instability, as investors seize control over land and water, displacing local populations,” Farr said. Conflict frequently intensifies other crises like climate shocks, economic instability and inequality. Climate-related disasters such as droughts and floods, combined with rising global food prices due to pandemic shutdowns and disruptions from the Russia-Ukraine war, have escalated hunger crises in East and Southern Africa, it said. Oxfam warned that the global commitment to “zero hunger” by 2030 is becoming increasingly unattainable. It called on the international community, including the United Nations Security Council, to hold accountable those responsible for “starvation crimes” under international law. “To break the vicious cycle of food insecurity and conflict, global leaders must confront the root causes of conflict: colonial legacies, injustices, human rights abuses and inequalities – rather than offering superficial solutions,” Farr said. Adblock test (Why?)

AOC fires back at Fetterman, accuses him of ‘bleak dunk attempt’

AOC fires back at Fetterman, accuses him of ‘bleak dunk attempt’

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) accused Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) of a “bleak dunk attempt” after he highlighted a headline about her calling out the Biden administration regarding Israel. “The tragedy in Gaza is 100% on Hamas. Stop using civilians and hospitals as shields, surrender, and release all remaining hostages—and this ends,” Fetterman tweeted when sharing the Ocasio-Cortez-related headline. Fetterman has been outspoken in supporting Israel and condemning Hamas in the wake of the terror group’s heinous Oct. 7, 2023 attack that included rape, murder, and kidnapping. AOC RIPS FETTERMAN FOR COMPARING HOUSE TO ‘JERRY SPRINGER’ SHOW: ‘I STAND UP TO BULLIES’ “I dunno man. I care about little kids dying. I care about human rights. I care that billions of US tax dollars’ worth of weapons are carrying out unspeakable atrocities. I care enough for us to do better. Hope this bleak dunk attempt gets you whatever it is you’re going for,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote in response to Fetterman’s post. Earlier this week, the congresswoman had tweeted, “The horrors unfolding in northern Gaza are the result of a completely unrestrained Netanyahu gov, fully armed by the Biden admin while food aid is blocked and patients are bombed in hospitals. This is a genocide of Palestinians. The US must stop enabling it. Arms embargo now.” SEN. FETTERMAN HITS BACK AT AOC’S SUGGESTION HE’S A BULLY AFTER HOUSE CLASH: ‘THAT’S ABSURD’ Marking the grim anniversary of the Oct. 7 attack earlier this month, Fetterman noted in a tweet, “On this traumatic One-Year Anniversary of the October 7th Hamas attacks, I share in the collective sorrow for all innocent lives lost. I will continue to be a voice for our ally, for the release of all remaining hostages, and for peace to return.” Israel launched a war effort in response to the Oct. 7 atrocities last year and Fetterman has been an unflinching supporter of the U.S. ally. FETTERMAN LAUDS ISRAEL FOR LEAVING IRAN ‘EXPOSED AND HUMILIATED’ AFTER STRIKES ON HAMAS, HEZBOLLAH “Immediately after 10/7, I strongly affirmed supporting any assistance—financial, military or intelligence—without conditions, in Israel’s war against terrorists,” the senator tweeted last month.

‘A lot of Trump signs’: Residents in blue stronghold Milwaukee break down 2024 election

‘A lot of Trump signs’: Residents in blue stronghold Milwaukee break down 2024 election

MILWAUKEE — In a battleground Wisconsin’s biggest blue enclave, people who spoke with Fox News Digital are divided on who they’re supporting in the November presidential election.  Giovanni Riley is voting for the Democrat nominee, Vice President Harris, he told Fox News Digital.  When asked what issues sold him on Harris, he said he’s “doing it for the culture.” Riley said he chose to back Harris “to make sure our people, minorities, get the things and resources that they need and for everyone to be in a good space.” ‘I WAS MUCH BETTER OFF’: THESE VOTERS BACK TRUMP IN TOP BATTLEGROUND COUNTY According to him, the symbolism of Harris, a Black and Indian mixed-race woman, being president of the United States is important. “I believe that having a Black president and then going to a female president is something different. That is something that we never had,” he said. “And it just brings hope to our minorities to believe that you can do anything that you put your heart to.” “And I believe that she’s the one for it.” ‘THE LEFT HAS PERFECTED THIS’: CONSERVATIVES TAKE PAGE FROM OBAMA’S PLAYBOOK IN BATTLEGROUND WISCONSIN In fact, Riley said he only supported President Biden because of Harris being on his ticket.  However, not everyone in Milwaukee County shares his view, despite its voting record.  Steve Batsky told Fox News Digital that he was voting for the Republican nominee, former President Trump, as he did in the past two elections. He cited immigration and the economy as his reasons. As compared to 2016 and 2020 in the blue area, he said, “I’m seeing more Republican overall support; a lot of Trump signs, a lot of Donovan signs,” presumably referencing Wisconsin state Rep. Bob Donovan. ‘DON’T EVEN KNOW WHO HE IS’: WISCONSINITES TALK HARRIS’ MIDWESTERN RUNNING MATE TIM WALZ “Again, everything in Milwaukee County tends to be blue,” Batsky said for context.  Brian Morawski said he sees a variety of Democrat signs in the area in and around Milwaukee and that “People are incorrect in their voting.” “Actually, I counted signs” outside Milwaukee County, he said. “I was driving west through the state, and there were more corn stands than there were Harris signs.” “Harris is actually going to lose to corn stands this year,” he laughed. “It turns out that part of Wisconsin is correct.”  FOR WISCONSIN DEMS, A 2024 WIN IN THE BATTLEGROUND STATE IS YEARS IN THE MAKING In early October, Milwaukee residents Michaella and Leah Lawrence joined Trump for a press conference on school choice in the city. Speaking with Fox News Digital after the event, Michaella said, “This would be my first year voting.” Her younger sister will not be old enough to vote next month. As for what she was hearing from people her age just starting college, Michaella said they are mostly concerned about the costs associated with being in the adult world. She talked about hearing “people around my age saying it’s really hard. It’s a big struggle finding – like just to live – basic necessities to live.” “Inflation is like crazy high.” Leah noted that she and her friends can’t vote but are paying attention. “Whatever happens with this election, we will be directly affected by that because we will be paying taxes, we will be working, and we’ll just, you know, be out here in the economy,” she said, referring to the added responsibilities that come with turning 18. “That’s the biggest worry for us,” she said. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.

Georgia judge blocks rule requiring clerks to hand count number of ballots

Georgia judge blocks rule requiring clerks to hand count number of ballots

A Georgia judge stopped a planned hand count of ballots on election night, ruling Tuesday that it would create “administrative chaos” if poll workers were required to handle millions of ballots without being trained. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney found that the controversial rule was “too much, too late” to implement for the 2024 election – which is less than three weeks away. “The public interest is not disserved by pressing pause here,” he wrote in his decision. “This election season is fraught; memories of Jan. 6 have not faded away, regardless of one’s view of that date’s fame or infamy. Anything that adds uncertainty and disorder to the electoral process disserves the public.” LOCAL OFFICIALS FACE OFF AGAINST GEORGIA’S ELECTIONS BOARD OVER RULE THAT COULD SHAKE UP NOVEMBER McBurney said in his ruling that his decision was not final and would be further detailed at a later date, but not until after the election. “Our Boards of Election and Superintendents are statutorily obligated to ensure that elections are ’honestly, efficiently, and uniformly conducted,’” he said. “Failure to comply with statutory obligations such as these can result in investigation by the SEB, suspension or even criminal prosecution.” READ THE RULING – APP USERS, CLICK HERE: The rule, passed by the Republican State Election Board, was set to go into effect Oct. 22, just two weeks before the election, and after early voting in the Peach State is well underway.   The rule, which McBurney temporarily halted, was pushed through in September on a 3-2 vote but prompted a lawsuit filed by Georgia Democratic officials. The rule would have required precinct poll managers and poll officers to unseal ballot boxes and count the ballots by hand individually to ensure the tallies match the machine-counted ballot totals. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.