No dearth of talent in Kashmir, they produce good cricketers despite limited infrastructure: Yusuf Pathan

India is indeed a cricket-driven country as the game is religiously followed in several parts of the nation. In fact, almost all the state and union Union Territories have produced quality cricketers who went onto do well in the domestic and international circuit. Cricket is extremely popular in Jammu and Kashmir as well. However, lack of quality infrastructure and guidance has somewhat restricted the state team.

In the recent past, however, things have changed as many players from J&K have made a mark. Abdul Samad, Rasikh Salam, and Parvez Rasool have made a name for themselves by doing well in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In fact, Rasool has even represented India in two ODIs and a solitary T20I.

Meanwhile, former Indian all-rounder Yusuf Pathan recently met around 50 budding cricketers during a workshop in Srinagar, the capital of the northern state. The dasher believes there’s a lot of talent in Jammu Kashmir and all they need is proper coaching and guidance. He also lauded three players from the state who made a mark in IPL.

There are some exceptional talents in Kashmir: Yusuf Pathan

“(Abdul) Samad, Rasikh (Salam), (Parvez) Rasool are the cricketers who have gone ahead and played in the IPL. Rasool played for India as well. They have made a name for themselves. There is no dearth of talent in Kashmir and all they need is guidance and direction. There are some exceptional talents in Kashmir,” Yusuf told TimesofIndia.com.

“They have limited infrastructure and yet they produce good cricketers, which is a very big thing. The Indian Army is getting involved in it. Be it shoes, caps, jerseys or any equipment, the Indian Army is doing a lot for these youngsters,” he added.

Yusuf also revealed that he came across multiple players who can do well in different departments. “I have seen kids who can bowl at full speed, can hit the ball out of the park and there are some who are livewires while fielding. They need the right direction and platform,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, Abdul Samad is the only Kashmir player who’ll feature in the second leg of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. The young dasher has been impressive for Sunrisers Hyderabad so far and many eyes will be on him.