Preeti
Dharamshala: — In a powerful blend of sportsmanship and social advocacy, the Dhauladhar Cricket League took a significant step forward as its semifinal leg concluded at the famous Kangra cricket ground on April 26. Organized by Himachal Pradesh’s fastest-growing media house, The Newz Radar, the tournament was specifically devised to raise mass awareness against the rising “Chitta” drug menace in the region. The day featured a high-stakes encounter between Guru XI and Influencer XI, two teams representing the most influential pillars of local society.
Winning the toss, Influencer XI elected to bat first and managed to post a respectable total of 132 runs for the loss of six wickets within their allotted overs. The team’s batsmen played with a sense of responsibility, navigating the Guru XI bowling attack to set a challenging target. In response, Guru XI launched a spirited chase but ultimately struggled against a disciplined bowling performance and sharp fielding. Despite their best efforts, the teachers’ side could only manage 120 runs for the loss of seven wickets, resulting in a victory for Influencer XI.
The composition of the teams added a unique local flavor to the competition. Influencer XI was powered by popular social media figures from the Dharamshala Local and Kangra Boys handles, along with well-known creator Ankit Binny Sharma. Adding a touch of professional charisma to the squad was Dragta Ji, one of Himachal Pradesh’s most famous anchors. On the opposing side, Guru XI was comprised entirely of educators and was led by Rishad Mohommad, the owner of Guru Academy, which is regarded as the premier educational institute of the region.
Beyond the boundaries and the scoreboard, the event served as a critical platform for The Newz Radar to address the substance abuse crisis affecting the state’s youth. By involving academic leaders and digital trendsetters, the league successfully channeled the popularity of cricket into a meaningful dialogue about community health and the future of the younger generation. With this victory, Influencer XI secures their place in the next stage of the tournament, carrying forward both their sporting momentum and the vital message of a drug-free Himachal.
