“We have had a decent Syed Mustaq Ali trophy this season especially after the time we got for the preparations,” says Jammu and Kashmir captain Parvez Rasool. In an exclusive chat with Onecricket, Rasool talks about struggles during COVID-19 period, preparations for the domestic season, youngsters to watch out for and Irfan Pathan.
How did you deal with problems during COVID-19?
Rasool- There was a lot of problem all around the world due to COVID-19. We didn’t get any chance to go for practice so the only thing we were focusing on was our fitness. We were trying to stay fit and be game ready. But as soon as there were some relaxation, we began with with some training at a nearby ground after taking all the permissions and following the SOP. But as a team we got very less time to train together. It was a very challenging time for us.
How do you rate your SMAT performance?
Rasool- The kind of time we got for the preparations, we had a decent tournament. We won three out of five matches that we played. The other teams got more time for preparing themselves in comparison to us but we could have done better. The one problem we faced was that we were not able to click as a batting unit. We have been doing pretty well for the last few years and even the players are getting noticed. I feel in coming years, we are surely going to improve more in coming years.
Is there money crunch in J&K cricket?
Rasool- We have faced some problems because of the way the organisation in the past have worked but after CoA came into action, there have been some good work. The camps are being held regularly while we also have tournaments at district level to scout new and young talents.They took few steps that were encouraging and we have some new players coming up. For instance Abdul Samad is there. The players are pretty capable and talented but the only thing we need is some backing and support.
Whom do you think can perform well in coming years among the young crop?
Rasool- We have a very talented young crop. There is left-arm pacer Mujtaba Yosuf who bagged six wickets in his debut Ranji game and has 10 scalps to his name in two matches. Apart from him, there is wicket-keeper batsman Suryansh Raina and Abdul Samad has been proving himself for quite sometime now.
Talk to us about Irfan Pathan’s impact in J&K cricket.
Rasool- Definitely, his international exposure has helped us. He has been grooming the youngsters. Although, I was captain of the side but I myself learnt a lot of things from him.
Whom do you think can go and play for the national team?
Rasool- As I said, the youngsters are very talented and enthusiastic. Someone like Abdul Samad is one of those players who can play at that level. He has been showing his capability and probably needs one more good IPL season to knock the selectors’ doors. But these players need proper backing and opportunities.
What kind of facilities are required to be introduced?
Rasool- Our association got the affiliation way back but we haven’t got the proper facilities. For instance, we only have one ground which is also not in good shape. Apart from that, we only have two of turf wickets. There haven’t been any academies in these many years. But after the CoA came in, the situation has got better. They are focusing on these things and providing the facilities. Earlier, the members of the association used to focus on only a couple of districts but now players from other districts are also coming up. Recently, we got a new recruit Skalzang Dorjey Kalyan who hails from Ladakh. This is the first time we have a player in the team from Ladakh.
The CoA has worked but we still need more facilities.
What are your future plans?
Rasool—If everything goes by plan, we are looking forward to the domestic season. I personally feel that the BCCI should hold Ranji trophy as days cricket is a more challenging format of the game.
Would the selectors go for the same squad?
Rasool- The selection totally depends on the selectors. It is most likely that we will go for the same squad but rest depends upon the selectors.
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