Srinagar, June 4 -- "We didn't expect this kind of response," said a local coordinator for the league. "It's clear that young cricketers here are hungry for a chance."

The trials will take place at Doon International School in Srinagar, offering players from across the region, some even from outside the state, a shot at joining the EVCL's first-ever season.

The league, which was announced earlier this year, promises something rare for the region: a direct path from local playgrounds to an organized, televised platform.

"This isn't just a tournament," said Praveen Kumar, the league's commissioner and a former India cricketer.

"It's going to change lives. We're bringing together raw talent from Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh-p...