Will Sachin play in Srinagar?

To show that things are fast returning to normal in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed wants to host a one-day international cricket match in Srinagar.

"I would take up with the president, BCCI, Jagmohan Dalmia the state's demand to allot at least one match of ODI to Srinagar," the Mufti said while presiding over the 50th meeting of the state sports council.

"A stadium for such an event is already available, where similar matches have been held," the CM said.

The Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar had hosted the state's first ODI in 1983 between India and the West Indies.

Unfortunately, the match had to be abandoned midway as the crowd turned hostile, shouted anti-India slogans and dug up the pitch.

Ringed by majestic chinar trees, the SKCS is arguably one of the loveliest cricket grounds in the world.

"The Mufti is emboldened by the peace winds between India and Pakistan, which he believes will definitely be reflected in the sportive mood of the crowd once an ODI is held here," says a state official.

The Mufti reviewed the sports scenario in the state. He was informed that this year, two Ranji Trophy matches have been allotted to the state during which the hosts would play against Orissa and Himachal Pradesh.

An official statement said that apart from the two Ranji matches, at least six national events would be held in the state this year.

The council is hopeful of hosting the Santosh Trophy football tournament next year.

Earlier this year, the second Ambassador's Cup Golf Championship was played at the Royal Spring Golf Course in Srinagar.

The ambassadors were floored by the astounding ambience and facilities provided at the course, regarded as one of the best in the world.