Young right-arm medium pacer Rasikh Salam became only the second player from Jammu and Kashmir to play in the Indian Premier League.
Salam, 17, turned up for Mumbai Indians in their lung-openeragainst Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede Stadium here Sunday and also opened thebowling for the hosts.
Rasikh, who got his cap from former India pacer Zaheer Khan,is the youngest player to make the debut for Mumbai Indians.
Salam, who hails from Kulgam district, was picked up byMumbai Indians for his base price of Rs 20 lakh.
Parvez Rasool, an off-break bowler, was the first one fromthe northern state, to play in the cash-rich tournament. Rasool represented twoIPL teams – Pune Warriors India and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Another player from Jammu and Kashmir, Manzoor Dar waspicked up by IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab last year, but did not feature inany game.
Rasikh, a young pacer, came into cricketing scene afterplaying in the district level events and then went in to play for J&Ksenior teams during 2018-19 season. After playing in District events he wascalled by J&K Cricket Association for the talent hunt under Irfan Pathan.On the very first day he was noticed by Pathan and then there was no lookingback for youngster.
Pathan included him in the senior camp where he took Hattrick and impressed everyone. Then he made his List A debut for J&K in 50 over game followed by Ranji Trophy and then recently played for J&K senior team in T20 event. He also played for Under-19 J&K team. Meanwhile he has been in Mumbai from last three months training under the trainers and coaches of the Mumbai Indian’s.