Kashmiri cricketer Manzoor Dar reveals some insights after bagging a maiden IPL deal

The 2018 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction went ahead in captivating and explosive numbers, which also included the exhibition of some of the astounding moments that never ought to happen in any of the previous auction events. Many of the budding talents as well as the experienced campaigners came into the limelight at the auction in Bengaluru. From the growing faces, Kashmiri cricketer Manzoor Dar has come into the reckoning when he was snapped up by the Kings XI Punjab for his base price of Rs 20 lakhs.

Manzoor’s story so far off the cricket field seems to be very inspiring and one which involved several great struggles from a young age. In the past, he has performed various jobs including that of a security guard, carpenter and has also tried his hand at weightlifting and kabaddi. He happens to be the second cricketer from Kashmir to feature in the IPL, after off-spinner Parvez Rasool who has played before in the previous editions of the global tournament.

I was hopeful of being picked

In a recent conversation with InUth.com, Dar stated that he was probably thinking to be selected in the State team and at the same time was pretty much hopeful of bagging a maiden IPL contract in the auction. He revealed that the major concern towards featuring in the league that can work to be a great improvement in his game. The 24-year old didn’t spend much time thinking about the auctions and rested all his hopes in the hands of the Almighty.

“Before the auction, I was only thinking about playing for the state, but I was also hopeful that I could get an IPL call-up. Not that I was thinking about it all the time. I was just concerned about improving my game and left the rest to the almighty,” said Manzoor as quoted by InUth.com.

Manzoor gave the trials for Rajasthan Royals

He also mentioned that he did not get the opportunity to meet any of Punjab franchise’s scouts or their mentor and former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag, before the auction. The right-hand batsman revealed the fact that he even attended the trials for Rajasthan Royals and never really knew then that he would be picked by Punjab for his maiden journey in the league.

“No, I had not met anybody from the Punjab franchise. In fact, I was giving trials for Rajasthan Royals. I really do not know how Punjab picked me. It could be possible that they have seen my videos and also taken into account the fact that I am among the top 15 domestic players with the highest strike rates,” he added.