International cricketer and J&K Ranji trophy skipper, Parvez Rasool has termed J&K Premier League (JKPL) cricket tournament by J&K Cricket Association as a step which will revolutionize cricket in state.
“It is first time in the history of J&K cricket that such initiative has been taken up by JKCA. For that I personally laud the efforts of JKCA CEO and Administrators. It is huge initiative in which almost every big and lower level cricketer of State would be involved, almost every team that exist in State will be taking part. It is great platform for our youngsters to showcase their talent and prove their worth,” he said.
“It is event like what other associations outside State have been doing for years. They conduct events in every part of State and then shortlist talent during the event. It is first time we will be seeing same thing happening in our State,” Parvez said.
He said that JKCA is sending two selectors to every district during the league to monitor matches and to shortlist the best available talent.
“It is huge event wherein around 600 to 700 teams only in Kashmir province would be participating. Then same procedure is going to be followed in Jammu. JKCA has deputed two selectors for each district who will be monitoring the performances of cricketers, whether local or top level during the event. The matches have already started in five different venues of District Anantnag in which 130 teams are participating. In Sopore matches started today while as in Shopian, Ganderbal it will start soon. During matches selectors will point out performances of every single player,” Parvez said.
“Unlike past when cricketers used to allege that they were not given chance to prove their talent, this event is the chance for them to transform words into performances. One more important thing that this event will do is that cricketers from far flung areas will not be forced to attend trials in Srinagar. JKCA has not taken cricket to their host districts and now is their chance to prove their talent,” he said.
Parvez Rasool revealed that shortlisted cricketers will be called for the coaching camp that would be held under Irfan Pathan.
“Irfan Pathan who has joined J&K as mentor cum player would be arriving in Kashmir after Ramadhan. By that time event will conclude and we will get the idea about the talent shortlisted. We want to use services of Irfan Pathan to our full use and will give shortlisted players chance to learn from him during coaching camp. From those cricketers we may be getting the best available players for our State cricket teams,” he said.
Parvez also said that that teams who would be competing in the event in every district have been asked to include Under-16, 19 and 23 level cricketers in the teams.
“It is event for the youngsters and for that guidelines have been laid out that each and every team should included atleast one U-16 cricketer and two each cricketers from U-19 and 23 age group. As almost every cricket team of State would be taking part in it we may not be left out with age group cricketers for every team, we will be seeing that on team to team basis,” he said.
“The most important aspect of this event is that apart from all JK cricketers, JKCA has also given chance to our Ranji trophy cricketers to give something back to game by appointing them as officials and selectors,” he added.