Srinagar, Feb 3: Unperturbed over snub by Ranji trophy selectors back home, Mehjoor Ali Sofi , the lanky speedster from Kashmir Valley continues with his good show with the ball in Kolkata league which is likely to earn him the chance to participate in International tourney in Bangkok by the end of this month.
 Gifted with speed and swing, the young fast bowler from Srinagar’s Malla Bagh locality is currently the leading wicket taker with 18 wickets in just four matches at Kolkata League.
 Mehjoor plays for Calcutta Cricket & Football Club (CCFC) and his superb show with the ball has already earned him membership of the Kolkata’s leading sports club where more than 10 thousand memberships are pending.
 With CCFC a permanent member to play RBSC International Cricket Sixes Tournament in Bangkok, Mehjoor is most likely to find his place in the team to become the first man from Kashmir to participate in the event.
 The Royal Bangkok Sports Club (RBSC) is hosting its annual International Cricket Sixes tournament in Thailand.
 According to reports, many teams from different countries including Thailand, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Australia, Malaysia etc, expected to participate in the prestigious tournament.
 Mehjoor has been a part of developmental Rajasthan Royals (IPL champions). He honed his fast bowling skills in BCCI’s NCA Academy for fast bowlers, Mohali and also in MRF Pace Foundation, Chennai after a two-month stint at Imtiyaz Ahmad Cricket Academy, Bangalore.
 From iconic Shane Warne to speed merchant Shaun Tait, Mehjoor also learned tips of the trade from the likes of Graeme Smith during his stint with the Royals developmental squad.
 His performance in the ongoing Kolkata league and expected participation in the Thailand tourney is also likely to change the mind of Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association selectors who even did not call him for ODI selection trials for current season.
 “No one from selectors’ panel called me for the Ranji ODI trials and I was rather astonished to know from friends that around 25 other players were summoned for the trials in Jammu,” Mehjoor said.
 Despite snub, Mehjoor is optimistic to represent Jammu and Kashmir at Ranji and other sports events this year.
 “May be selectors have other ideas about me. While I’m not their choice at present, I am hopeful of getting a call soon,” he said.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 3 Feb 2013 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 3 Feb 2013 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 4 Feb 2013 00:00:00 IST