By Useeba Bashir
Srinagar: International Cricketer Irfan Pathan, who was appointed as player cum mentor of Jammu and Kashmir for upcoming domestic season said he would shortlist players for another camp, which he said will commence soon.
The all-rounder has started many initiatives for the cricketers of Valley to show up their talent. Jammu Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) had organized tournaments in different Districts of the Valley where in around 300 boys were selected in U19 and U23 category.
These boys are attending coaching Camp at Sher-e Kashmir Stadium Srinagar headed by Pathan himself wherein he will further select them for another Camp that will be going forward after this.
“I am looking forward to further shortlist the players for another camp that will be conducted later” Pathan said
“The selection will be purely based on their performance and through proper screening test”, he added
The all- rounder also mentioned that by this screening test, players will also come to know about their level of cricket and will also work hard on their weaknesses.
Irfan Pathan will specially be focusing on the Ranji team of the state so that team will show up their best in the tournament.
“I will specially be focusing on the Ranji team and will try to boost in the game of players and try to perform better in the tournament”, Pathan said
On being asked whether he found any shortcomings in the J&K Cricket, he said, “I find experience Cricket is lacking a bit here. Players are lacking the mindset of winning a game that needs to get boost in them.”
“The coordination within a team need to be build in. the team has to move forward as a team but not as an individual. I will be focusing on them and try to build in that coordination better between each member of the group”, he added
Irfan will also submit his suggestions to the JKCA, regarding the better upliftment of Cricket.
“I will be sending my suggestion through mail to JKCA according to my experience that will uplift the Cricket of J&K”, he said
Irfan assured that he will utilise his experience to train fully Cricketers of J&K.
“I have already started my work and will continue till I am with JKCA.I am and will give my cent percent to build in the cricket era of J&K”, Pathan said
On being asked about how he will manage the commitment he has given to JKCA and about other commitments he has, Pathan proudly said,
“I am the son of that person who worked at a factory and at the same time was also a muezzin at a mosque. He managed both so well that he never gave any one a chance to complaint. Same is the case with me. I will never step back prior to my commitment.”
Irfan Pathan’s advice to the upgrowing cricketers is that
“There is never a replacement for hard work. Keep working hard and play for the team not for your individual self.”
Futher Pathan also promised that he will definitely upgrade the Cricket in J&K
“I don’t promise to get the title at the tournament but surely assure that our aim will be high and will to achieve it by giving our best to it.”
J&K star sensation Parvez Rasool also shared his view on Irfan Pathan as mentor cum player, he said, “International star joining the J&K cricket is a very big thing and great opportunity for the state cricket as he is a very experienced international cricketer”
“Irfan Pathan is himself working very hard from the very first day on ground to boost in the talent of the cricketers. He is correcting and helping players to rectify their mistake while playing, shows his commitment to the Cricket”, he added.
