J&K players want to see Rasool in action in IPL

JAMMU, Apr 16: He is the first player from the valley to bag an IPl contract and talented all-rounder Perveez Rasool’s Jammu and Kashmir teammates as well as common people now want to see him in playing XI of the Pune Warriors in the coming IPL matches.

“He (Rasool) should be on the pitch as he is deserving palyer. We are keeping our fingers crosses. Hopefully, he will get a chance to play,” Rasool’s Ranji teammate Majid Dar told PTI today.

However, Dar feels that there is still a lot of time left and he will surely get some game time.

Rasool, who was a star performer for the Board President’s XI by grabbing seven Australian wickets in February this year, was being chased by at least three franchises but the 24-year-old signed in favour of Pune Warriors.

He has recently been announced in 30-member probables list for the Champions Trophy in England.

After a good Ranji season in 2012/13, he was included in the India A squad to play the warm-up one-day match against England on 6 January 2013.

Praising Rasool for his impressive performance at the national and international level, Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) president Dr Farooq Abdullah, in April this year, announced a reward of Rs five lakh for the cricketer.

On asked what this IPL contract meant for budding cricketers of his state after the signing of contract, Rasool said, “I would like to convey a small message for all my well-wishers in J&K. I would like to tell them that it was not only talent but hardwork that has helped me realise my dream. I believe, parents would now believe that someone can make a decent career out of cricket even from our state.”

Abdullah has announced a reward of Rs five lakh for J&K cricketer Rasool in recognition of his outstanding performances both at the national and international level.

“I want to convey that people of the state particularly

from Kashmir are anxiously waiting for Rasool to play a match. Giving him a chance would boost the morale of the budding cricketers in state,” former first-class cricketer Rakesh Kaul stated.

In the similar voice, his once time coach Rajesh Dhar said “we all want him to see in the field –playing–and proving himself–whenever there is match of Pune warriors, we switch on TV sets –but keeping waiting that he would also get the chance to play.”

“Let us hope that he will soon get chance to play and make J&K proud”, Dhar said.

The chairman of JKCA media committee Ranjeet Kalra said

that Pune has already played five matches and they expect that Rasool will be given an opportunity in the remaining 11 matches. (PTI)