Parvez Rasool says India call-up is just the beginning

Parvez Rasool said, “After proving the faith of all the cricket fans from the state, I hope I can do the same for the entire nation” © IANS

New Delhi: Jul 5, 2013

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Considered a symbol of hope for sport in Jammu and Kashmir, Parveez Rasool’s is an inspiring story from a picturesque valley and one that goes beyond the realm of sport.

By becoming the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to earn an India call-up, Rasool has highlighted the fact that there is abundance of talent that exists in the deep interiors.

The 24-year-old Rasool was named today in the Indian team for the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) tour to Zimbabwe.

Rasool said it was “just the beginning” and he has a long way to go.

“After proving the faith of all the cricket fans from the state, I hope I can do the same for the entire nation,” said Rasool.

He hails from Beijbehara, a small town in Kashmir, which is hardly a speck on the country’s cricketing map. If not poor, facilities for playing the game are modest at best.

The political turmoil in the valley only makes it more difficult for the talented cricketers to make it big. But Rasool has been a one of a kind.

A man of many firsts, Rasool has been in contention for national selection for a while now after a string of impressive performances at the First-Class level.

Rasool was the standout performer for Jammu & Kashmir in the 2012-13 Ranji Trophy, ending the season as its top run-scorer and highest wicket-taker.