Youth of Kashmir pinning hopes in cricketer Irfan Pathan

Malik Sumeed

Srinagar 18 July (KNB): After joining Jammu and Kashmir Cricket team as a mentor, Star cricketer and all- rounder Irfan Pathan is all set to give his hard work in Kashmir. Irfan is the only international player who comes to be the coach of Jammu and Kashmir team in order to train the Kashmiri Youth. Irfan will also be involved in upliftment projects of Jammu Kashmir cricket and the overall development of the game in region.

Giving new shape of cricket in Jammu and Kashmir, Pathan interacted and advised young cricketers to work hard and with passion to reach the next level of cricket at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium.

While talking to media, Pathan said “I am here to find the hidden talent of youth and will guide them as mentor cum player”. He advised young players to play for team not for fifties or big hundreds and wickets, your small contribution in match can help team to win.

Pertinently, in recent camps, JKCA conducted trials in north Kashmir, South Kashmir and central Kashmir where hundreds of young players participated in trails and out of 350 players, 30 players were selected under category of under 19, Under 16 and Under 23 for north zone i.e. Bandipora, Kupwara, Baramulla.

The players who were selected in district trails joined one day trail at Sher-e-Kashmir cricket stadium where Irfan Pathan accompanied with JKCA  selected few players on basis performances. According to reports, the selected players will practice with Irfan Pathan in long term camp.

Shiekh Faheem, a young talented Cricketer from Baramulla who was selected for under-23 category while talking to Kashmir News Bureau said “it is a big moment when an international player like Irfan Pathan guide and find talent among us”.

First time young cricketers from Kashmir finds some hope to play at international level, and He (Pathan) promised us that best performer will play at next higher level, we feel proud to have such a kind and hardworking coach, says Faheem.

However, this is the first time that the international player came out to be mentor of Jammu and Kashmir Cricket team.

The 33-year-old Pathan played 29 Tests, 120 ODIs and 24 T20 Internationals for India between 2003 and 2012. Pathan was captain of Baroda for the past two domestic seasons. (KNB)

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