*Inaugural match attracts enthusiastic crowd
Ranjit Thakur
JAMMU, Oct 3: Legendary cricketer and former India head coach Ravi Shastri highlighted the immense talent of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth during a media interaction at Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu. Shastri was in the city for the first match of the Legends League Cricket (LLC) between Manipal Tigers and Toyam Hyderabad, marking a rare opportunity for local fans to witness cricket icons in action.
Reflecting on his visit, Shastri recalled his last trip to the Kashmir in 1987 when he played an international match in Srinagar against Australia. He expressed his excitement to return and spoke highly of the cricketing potential in Jammu and Kashmir, saying, “There is huge talent here, but the youngsters need exposure and opportunities to showcase their skills.” He noted that the ground in Kashmir has developed well but added that consistent opportunities for matches and training are essential for growth.
When asked about Umran Malik’s absence from the Indian national team, Shastri acknowledged the fierce competition within the squad. He praised Malik’s abilities but emphasized that the young pacer would need to work hard to regain his place. “Umran knows the challenge ahead, but he has the talent to make a comeback,” he said.
Shastri also commented on the stadium’s conditions, stating that while the venue has potential, improvements to the outfield and pitch would make it more suitable for future events. He encouraged the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to come out and witness the matches, emphasizing the importance of learning from senior players. “When I was young, I would watch senior players play, and that inspired me. I urge youngsters to grab every opportunity to play in different formats. There’s a lot of scope now,” he added.
The inaugural match of the Legends League in Jammu between Manipal Tigers and Toyam Hyderabad at Maulana Azad Stadium attracted an enthusiastic crowd, with organizers optimistic about even larger turnouts for the upcoming games. This event provides a unique opportunity for the people of Jammu to enjoy world-class cricket.
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