Rajouri teenager Amaan Zari selected for India U-19 cricket team

SRINAGAR — A 17-year-old boy from Pir Panchal area of Jammu and Kashmir has been selected for the Indian Under-19 cricket team.

Amaan Zari, son of Haji Aqeel Zari, a resident of Ward 09 in Rajouri, is the first youngster from Rajouri who will represent India at the highest level as Zari will be part of Indian team, which is scheduled to tour Sharjah where they will play a four-nation tournament.

Zari while talking to news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that he started playing cricket at the age of 12 and since then, he has participated in different tournaments at state and national level.

“It was my dream to represent the country at international stage which has come true but now my aim is to perform well and in coming time, get a spot in Indian cricket team,” he beamed and gave credit to Almighty Allah, parents, friends and coaches for his success.

Zari, an all-rounder, said that Rohit Sharma, M S Dhoni and Muhammed Shami are his favourite players and he is hopeful that he will prove his mettle in the upcoming series.

“Youth of J&K are very much talented but they should keep themselves away from bad activities and follow their passion in letter and spirit and one day, they will succeed,” he said.

Zari’s father Haji Aqeel Zari told KNO that his son has memorised Holy Quran and also performed Umrah as well besides that he has been leading prayers in a local masjid as well. He is very happy that Almighty Allah has given such qualities to his son and is hopeful that he will perform well in the upcoming series.

Meanwhile, LG Manoj Sinha has congratulated Zari and said that “it is joyous moment for J&K.”

“Congratulations to Amaan Zari, our promising cricketer from Rajouri on his selection in Under-19 cricket team for 4-Nations Cup to be played in Dubai. It is a joyous moment for J&K. His grit and determination has helped him realize his dream,” Office of LG J&K tweeted.