Srinagar, Sep 06: Former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan on Sunday said a cricket league featuring international players in Kashmir would give young cricketers, including those who have played only at the club level, an opportunity to play alongside international players.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar as per Kashmir News Service (KNS), Dhawan said youngsters who have not represented Jammu and Kashmir at the state level could benefit from the exposure provided by the league.
“For a youngster who has never played for the state, getting an opportunity to play with an international player is a big thing in itself,” Dhawan said.
He said youngsters who have watched international players from the boundary or stadium would now get an opportunity to share the field with them.
“A kid who has a dream, who has been sitting and watching an international player for so many years, but that dream is not being fulfilled anywhere, today because of this league he will get a chance,” he said.
“He will play with an international player, he will laugh, he will create a memory. So, this is a very big thing,” Dhawan added.
Dhawan said the league could also generate economic activity for clubs, mentors, hotels and other businesses as players and their families travel to Kashmir.
“When everyone will come here to play, eventually cricket will become a business. A business will be made for the mentors here, a business will be made for the club and a business will be made for the hotels,” he said.
He said the arrival of players could also increase the number of visitors to the region.
“More big players will come. It is a means of entertainment for people. They will come and watch the live match. They will see the players performing live,” Dhawan said.
He added that families travelling with players would also contribute to local businesses.
“The players who are coming, families will also come with them. So, that also adds to the business. I am sure it is a win-win situation for everyone,” he said.
On local cricket, Dhawan said Jammu and Kashmir has players with the physical attributes required for fast bowling and said increased match exposure would help them gain experience.
“The belt of Jammu and Kashmir is so strong. When I was playing today’s call, I told them that your physique is like a fast bowler. The fast bowler here is so strong and so talented,” he said.
“The more matches there will be, the more their experience will increase,” Dhawan added.
Dhawan referred to Jammu and Kashmir’s Ranji Trophy success and said the team’s performance had attracted attention across the country.
“Recently, Jammu and Kashmir won the Ranji Trophy. It has become such a big news in the whole of India. It happened for the first time in history,” he said.
He also referred to Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Umran Malik, who represented India and played in the IPL.
Dhawan, however, said players would have to convert opportunities into performances.
“It is necessary for those boys to perform there as well. If you perform there, then no one can say that you are from outside. Your performance should speak for you,” he said.
He said the issue of players missing opportunities was not limited to Jammu and Kashmir and could also apply to players from other cricketing centres.
“Whether it is a boy from Delhi or a boy from Mumbai, there will be cases where they should have got a chance, but they did not get a chance. Someone else got it,” Dhawan said.
“That is part and parcel of our business,” he added.(KNS)
