Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 19: Jammu & Kashmir cricket team will clash with star studded Karnataka team here in five-day quarterfinal of the Ranji Trophy 2019-20, to be played at GGM Science College Hostels Ground, here today.
“We are happy because Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) team has set history by entering into quarterfinal and the best part is that we are the host and making all arrangements in a short span of time,” Syed Ashiq Hussain Bukhari, Chief Executive Officer, JKCA told reporters here at a press conference today.
He said that Jammu & Kashmir team has performed brilliantly throughout the season and out of nine matches, they lost only one and qualified for the quarters.
“Post August 5, situation in J&K is known to everyone. Due to internet shutdown, there was no connectivity in the Kashmir valley and we were much worried about forming teams as nobody was able to establish contact with each other,” said the CEO and added that police department has played a key role in searching these players, who were not in touch.
“Efforts paid off and results are completely astonishing,” said Mr Bukhari and added that JKCA at present has a blend of experienced and youngsters, which makes a good combination. He expressed hope that J&K team will surely defeat the visiting team on home turf and set a new record.
The CEO also added that raw talent is being nurtured in remote belts and infrastructure has also been raised in Srinagar, Baramulla, Jammu, Samba and Rajouri for cricket activities.
Mr Bukhari also appreciated former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan for being mentor of JKCA, who guided the young Turks with his International cricket experience.
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