Following ongoing protests in the state, a few Jammu and Kashmir cricketers could skip upcoming domestic season
With unrest in the state and as many as 76 people killed in the state, a few cricketers of Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) aren’t sure of playing in the domestic season this year, stating that the situation at present isn’t ideal for it.
“You can’t think about cricket when you are standing in the middle of a killing field. In the current scenario, I am thinking of conveying my non-availability for the season.
“Bahut jayda log mar gaye hai sir (Too many people have died). I don’t know what to say! The current hostile situation has raised many questions for us,” an important member of the team, told the Hindustan Times on condition of anonymity.
Another player expressed disappointment over the situation, stating that the tension was high and the situation had to calm down before players could think of taking to the field.
“We’re waiting for the situation to calm down. We can’t describe our pain. Cricket can heal, but that may anger our people here, tension is high,” he said.
The President of the association,however, said that no player had yet confirmed any reluctance yet and expressed confidence of assembling a competent team for the domestic season.
“I am in touch with every player and nobody has expressed his reluctance. We are confident we will select a good team. We are not worried at all,” the chief, Mr. Imran Ansari said.
Another official gave a pretty careless take on the situation, stating that nobody bothered much about the cricketing state in the valley.
“This is the best time to give a chance to players of their choice. So nothing will change if someone doesn’t come for selection. Who bothers about Jammu and Kashmir cricket? Last season we lost all Ranji matches,” the JKCA official said.
For the sake of growth of cricket in the state, let’s hope the best team is picked and all compete in the upcoming domestic season.