Published: Feb 27, 2017, 05:43 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 27, 2017, 05:46 PM (IST)
Jammu & Kashmir’s Ranji captain Parvez Rasool, who made his Twenty20 International (T20I) for India against England of late, has lashed out at trolls, who are trying to malign his image. Rasool raked up the controversy when he was seen chewing a gum during the customary pre-match national anthem ceremony in the first T20I at Kanpur. Twitter and social media trolls took a dig at the all-rounder for not singing the Indian national anthem at first, (though he was seen singing it later). Rasool so far was quiet but has now come out in the open about the incident and feels it is political eyewash for everyone to exploit. Jason Roy keen to play IPL 2017 and ICC Champions Trophy
According to an interview he gave to ETV, Rasool said that cricketers should be allowed to play cricket and not be included in petty politics. “Let cricketers play cricket and don’t involve them into politics unnecessarily. I try to keep my focus on the game and don’t let these controversies affect me,” Rasool explained.
Rasool further went on to explain how difficult it is for a cricketer to make it big at international stage, given how the situation prevails in J&K. “It is already very difficult for cricketers from our region to make it into the national team and when these things happen, it is very disheartening. One has to remain tough and should not give importance to such controversies,” added Rasool.
When asked about his exclusion from IPL 2017, Rasool said that it is a part of the game and will not hamper his spirits.
“It is just part and parcel of the game and I am not sad that I wasn’t picked up in the IPL auction. I was amongst the top all-rounders in this year’s Ranji Trophy and would like to keep performing whenever I get a chance to play,” Rasool concluded.
