SRINAGAR — Former India cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Aakash Chopra on Sunday backed greater opportunities for Jammu and Kashmir cricketers, saying more exposure and platforms could help local players progress towards higher levels of the game.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Dhawan said a cricket league featuring international players in Kashmir could give young cricketers, including those who have played only at club level, an opportunity to share the field with established players.
“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, according to news agency KNS.
He said youngsters who had watched international players from the boundary or stadium could now get an opportunity to play alongside 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,” Dhawan said.
“He will play with an international player, he will laugh, he will create a memory. So, this is a very big thing,” he added.
Dhawan said such a 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 more prominent players could also increase visitor interest in 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.
Dhawan 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 had players with the physical attributes required for fast bowling and that 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 also 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 Indian Premier League.
Dhawan, however, said players would have to turn 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 added that missed opportunities were not unique to Jammu and Kashmir and could also occur in 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.
Meanwhile, former cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra said Kashmir has the talent to produce India’s next fast bowler but needs more opportunities and platforms for local players to progress.
Speaking at the same press conference in Srinagar, Chopra said he hoped a fast bowler from the region would emerge and represent India.
“I hope that the next fast bowler that we get will also come from here. Till now, we are not able to catch him. But he is here somewhere,” Chopra said.
Chopra described the expansion of cricket in Kashmir as a natural progression given the interest in the sport in the region.
“We are just hoping that we add another chapter and give Kashmir a representation,” he said.
Referring to Jammu and Kashmir’s Ranji Trophy triumph, Chopra said the achievement should be followed by creating more opportunities for local players.
“J&K won the Ranji Trophy. I am sure it is a proud moment for every Kashmiri. It is very difficult to win the Ranji Trophy,” he said.
Chopra, who said he had played against Jammu and Kashmir during his career, said the region had players capable of progressing but lacked opportunities.
“I have played a lot against J&K and I have enjoyed playing against them. There is quality but there are no opportunities. So, that’s what we are trying to do. We are trying to bring opportunities,” he said.
He also referred to Murad Malik, saying there could be more players like him in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Chopra, the growth of cricket in the region could create opportunities beyond playing, including for coaches, support staff, logistics personnel and broadcasters.
“There is everything in the ecosystem. There are coaches, support staff, logistics managers. So, there is employment opportunity,” he said.
Chopra also mentioned Kashmiri commentator Vivek Rajdhan and said the expansion of cricket could provide opportunities for local broadcasters.
On Kashmir Willow bats, he said the region already had a connection with cricket through bat production, while children and players in Kashmir were also taking up the sport.
Chopra said the interest shown by people in matches held in Kashmir, including the Kashmir Premier League, demonstrated the scope for further development of cricket in the region.
He also advised aspiring broadcasters to understand the game, develop their own style and avoid simply following others.
“Understand the game. Live the game. And just don’t follow anyone. Create your own personality. Your own style,” Chopra said.
He said broadcasters should keep the sport at the centre of their work rather than giving greater importance to themselves.
“More than the sport, we start giving importance to ourselves,” Chopra said.
He added that the role of a broadcaster was to serve the sport and contribute to its presentation.