From Parvez Rasool to New Generation: How Cricketers from Kashmir Are Becoming an Inspiration
Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Dec 07 ; From Team India to the Indian Premier League (IPL), the world’s cash-rich league, and other leagues, Kashmir is no longer far behind. The talent from this valley is not only being recognized but is also being given a platform to perform and represent the positive side of this once war-torn region.
Jammu and Kashmir has been in a state of turmoil, with bleak stories of violence, lethal attacks, and protests being the predominant narratives coming out of the state. However, sports have provided the youth from this strife-torn area an avenue to express themselves and showcase their potential to the world, giving them an opportunity to break free and excel.
In a positive development, two promising cricketers from South Kashmir’s Tral, Asmat Fayaz and Aadil Ahmad Wani, have been selected for the upcoming Big Cricket League (BCL).
Asmat Fayaz, a resident of Gulshanpora in Tral, has been picked by the Southern Spartans team, while Aadil Ahmad Wani, hailing from the Razakshah hamlet of Tral, has secured a spot with the Rajasthan Regals.
The much-anticipated Big Cricket League will feature six elite teams and is set to take place in Surat starting December 12, 2024.
In an exclusive interview, Asmat Fayaz said, “Cricket has been my profession since childhood. After failing to gain recognition despite performing well in Kashmir, I moved to Kolkata, where I began my professional cricket journey. However, in 2019, my father passed away, which was a setback for my cricket career. I returned home due to family commitments and other family issues, and at times I was sidelined from cricket. But I never found peace; my mind was always troubled, as if something was missing—and indeed it was my passion for this game.
After some time away, I started my cricket journey again, this time from my homeland of Kashmir. However, I left Kashmir quickly due to disappointment with the lack of professional opportunities in this sport, and I returned to Kolkata, getting back on track from where I had started my journey, but this time with more hope and passion.
He said that for the past three years, I has dedicated myself fully to playing division cricket, and Alhamdulillah, I performed really well, earning a spot in the Super Division. With my continued good performance, I caught the attention of the head coach and bowling coach.
Asmat Fayaz mentioned that he is now playing in the Super Division and is confident that he will secure a place in the Bengal team soon because he is truly giving his best.
He said, “What’s good here is that talent is recognized. It doesn’t matter who someone’s father is; what matters is how well you perform.”
Asmat, a fast-arm bowler from a small village in Tral, stated while discussing his selection for the upcoming Big Cricket League (BCL) that he had heard trials were being held in Kolkata. He attended the trials and bowled the fastest among all participants, and he caught the attention of the selectors.
He added that after the trials, he continued to bowl well in matches, maintaining his momentum. He participated in a super camp in Delhi, where he also impressed the selectors. He was fortunate enough to gain the notice of a legendary bowler in cricket history, County Wash, who not only blessed him but also boosted his confidence.
While discussing the recognition of Kashmiri youth in sports, Asmat stated, “There are no barriers now; it’s all about your performance. If you play well, the platform will call for you. Those days are gone when Kashmiri youth lagged behind other cricketers in the country; now only your talent will speak for you.”
He expressed concern about the unfortunate involvement of the younger generation in drugs and other social issues; however, he encouraged them to turn to sports, as sports provide not only a way to stay fit but also a promising career in life. He emphasized that Kashmiri youth should focus on hard work, dedication, and talent.
Asmat further reflecting on his struggles to reach this level: “I still remember the days when buying a cricket ball was a distant dream for me. I come from a small village in the southern part of Kashmir, where I used to play in the forests, picking up stones and using them to bowl. But I never lost hope for my passion.”
Aadil Ahmad Wani, an all-rounder who will play for the Rajasthan Regals in the league, spoke in an interview, saying, “After getting selected in the big cricket league, I will be playing alongside international players, and this is also a path to the IPL for me.”
He mentioned, “I am a driver by profession; however, my passion for cricket has always been my priority.”
He stated that this league will feature 50 former international players, which is a great opportunity for him to not only perform well but also to enhance his cricket skills in order to pursue his dream of playing for Team India.
He explained, “First, I went through digital trials, then after that, I performed well in the selection matches, where I managed to out several Ranji Trophy players. After that, we had a fitness camp, where I received a good rating and progressed further. Following this, there was a super camp for 72 players selected from 14,000, out of which 60 were chosen.”
He expressed his hope to perform well in this league, not only to represent Kashmir but also to inspire many young people who are involved in negative activities and are jeopardizing their futures.
Pertinently, over the years the stories of J&K players overcoming many barriers to make a mark provide inspiration for not just the Kashmiri youth but also young athletes from the rest of the country. (Kashmir Despatch)
