What comes to your mind when you hear the word cricket? Images of Kashmir, snow, or a frozen pitch are next to impossible. Yet, year after year, the younger generation in and around Kashmir’s Gurez Valley has braved sub-zero temperatures to enjoy the game of cricket on frozen pitches. It is now popularly called Snow Cricket. (Photo by Umar Altaf)
Amidst the breathtaking snow-covered mountains of Dawar Gurez, groups of men brave the biting cold to play cricket. With unwavering determination, they hone their skills on the icy pitch, eager to showcase their talent at the Snow Cricket League. The month-long tournament is a hit in the valley. Eight to 10 teams from different villages in Gurez Valley participate each year. (Photo by Umar Altaf)
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The locals are driven by a passion for Snow Cricket. It is played with limited resources and amidst stunning Himalayan scenery. On some days, the feet of the players sink deep into the snow. Dawar Gurez was recently propelled into the global spotlight, thanks to a social media post shared by Australian cricket star Marnus Labuschagne. (Photo by Umar Altaf)
A batsman poses for a portrait wearing a single cricket pad and gloves during a snow cricket match in Dawar Gurez. Marnus Labuschagne’s social media post not only highlighted the resilience and sporting spirit of Dawar residents but has also ignited hope for much-needed support and recognition for their unique winter sport. (Photo by Umar Altaf)
Irfan Ah Nazar, a native from Dawar, organises Snow Cricket matches. He checks the condition of the cricket pitch with players from both teams before the game starts in Dawar village. (Photo by Umar Altaf)
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A woman enjoys the Snow Cricket match from her balcony in Dawar, Gurez.(Photo by Umar Altaf)
Cut off from the outside world for decades and barely a blip on Google Maps, the remote village of Dawar has found a way to turn its harsh winters into a sporting spectacle. It became the first village in the region to receive the internet in 2019. Soon after, people shared videos of Snow Cricket and it went viral all around the world. (Photo by Umar Altaf)
The lead image on top shows Dawar, a remote village nestled in the breathtaking Gurez Valley of northern Kashmir, which has captured the world’s attention with its unique kind of cricket. (Photo by Umar Altaf)
Umar Altaf is a New Delhi-based photographer and visual artist. Through working with different textures, mediums and forms, he challenges the preconceived notions and expectations of visual imagery. His work revolves-around hate crimes, anti-Muslim encroachments, gender equality, human rights and climate change in India and Myanmar.
