Parvez Rasool: Pioneering Cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir Who Made National History

Parvez Rasool

Parvez Rasool, born on 13 February 1989 in Bijbehara, Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, has become a significant figure in Indian cricket, particularly as the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to represent the national team

Rasool’s cricketing journey began in his hometown, influenced by his father and brother, both state-level cricketers. His talent shone through during his first-class debut for Jammu and Kashmir in the 2008-09 season. However, it was the 2012-13 Ranji Trophy season that marked his breakthrough, becoming the state’s top scorer and leading wicket-taker, with 594 runs at an average of 54 and 33 wickets.

In 2013, Rasool reached a career milestone when he was selected for the Indian squad touring Zimbabwe, making him the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to achieve this honour. His selection was widely celebrated, symbolising hope and inspiration for many in the region.

Throughout his career, Rasool has been recognised for his all-round abilities. He received the Lala Amarnath Award for the best all-rounder in the Ranji Trophy twice, first in the 2013-14 season and again in the 2016-17 season, scoring 629 runs and taking 38 wickets.

Beyond domestic cricket, Rasool has also played in the Indian Premier League (IPL), representing teams such as Pune Warriors India and Sunrisers Hyderabad. His journey from the cricket fields of Bijbehara to international arenas underscores his dedication and the potential of athletes from Jammu and Kashmir.

Rasool’s achievements have not only propelled his career forward but have also inspired many young cricketers in the region, demonstrating that with talent and perseverance, reaching the highest levels of the sport is possible.

Cricket has seen a steady rise in Kashmir over the years. The emergence of young talent and the increasing interest in the sport have contributed to the expansion of the cricket scene in the valley.

Despite the challenges posed by political instability over the past few decades, cricket in Kashmir has steadily gained national and international attention. The development of cricket culture in the region has been primarily supported by its domestic cricket system, which has produced some well-known cricketers.

In this article, we will highlight a few Kashmiri cricketers who have made their mark in domestic cricket.

1. Parvez Rasool

Parvez Rasool is one of Kashmir’s most prominent cricketers, having represented both domestic and international teams. The all-rounder made history as the first cricketer from Kashmir to secure an IPL (Indian Premier League) contract, signing with the Pune Warriors for the 2013 season, where he played 11 matches. Rasool became a fan favourite in subsequent IPL seasons, with many fantasy league players including him in their line-ups on various cricket apps. His all-round performances made him a top pick for cricket enthusiasts, particularly on platforms like the 10CRIC app.

However, Rasool’s true impact was felt in domestic cricket. He has played in 85 First-Class matches, scoring 4,886 runs at an average of 37, and taking 282 wickets at an average of 28.31. He also has 18 five-wicket hauls to his name.

Rasool was outstanding during the 2013–14 Ranji Trophy season, amassing 663 runs with two centuries and three half-centuries at an average of 51. He also took 27 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls, in 9 matches. His remarkable performance earned him the Lala Amarnath Award for the best all-rounder in domestic cricket.

Born in Anantnag, Rasool became the first cricketer from Kashmir to be selected for India ‘A’. Since then, he has gone on to become the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to play 100 List-A matches.

His stellar domestic performances earned him his first cap for India on 15 June 2014, when he played an ODI against Bangladesh. This made him the first Kashmiri cricketer to represent India internationally. He also made his T20I debut against England in 2017.

Parvez Rasool’s Stats: Bowling

FormatMatchesInningsBallsRunsWicketsBest BowlingAveEconSR4-W5-W10-W
FC9515519,9809,5783528/8527.212.8756.718235
List A1641638,5396,0962216/4527.584.2838.6730
T20s71711,5391,665603/1727.756.4925.6000

Parvez Rasool’s Stats: Batting

FormatMatchesInningsRunsHSAverageBallsSR100s50s4s6s
FC951615,64818238.958,00770.5162269661
List A1641443,982118*33.464,71984.313233985
T20s715484059*19.53795105.6026822

2. Ian Dev Singh

Named after cricket legends Ian Botham and Kapil Dev, Ian Dev Singh was always destined for greatness. He chose to leave behind a promising career in a multinational company in Mumbai to play for his state in domestic cricket.

Singh is the highest run-scorer for Jammu and Kashmir in First-Class cricket, with 4,725 runs. He has played the most First-Class matches for the state, featuring in 79 matches.

Singh has also made his mark internationally, playing in Sri Lanka’s domestic cricket league, and he remains Kashmir’s only international First-Class player. Over the years, he has represented various teams, including India Green, the Indian Board President’s XI, Kandy Customs Cricket Club, North Zone, and the Rest of India.

He made his Duleep Trophy debut for North Zone, scoring an impressive 145 in his first match, becoming the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to score a century in the tournament.

Ian Dev Singh’s Stats: Batting

FormatMatchesInningsNORunsHSAverageBallsSR100s50s4s6s
FC93161135,55817037.5510,29254.00172469268
List A727031,62711224.282,36468.822917015
T20s4848487675*19.9089597.87029215

3. Shubham Khajuria

Shubham Khajuria made history in October 2024 by becoming the first batter from Jammu and Kashmir to score a double century in the Ranji Trophy in 22 years. He scored 255 runs off 353 balls against Maharashtra in Srinagar, setting the record for the highest score by a J&K batter in the tournament’s history.

A right-handed opener, Khajuria has consistently delivered strong performances in domestic cricket, and he was part of the India Under-19 team in 2013, becoming only the second cricketer from Kashmir to do so.

Khajuria made his First-Class debut at just 16 years old in November 2011. He was the leading run-scorer for Jammu and Kashmir in the 2018–19 Vijay Hazare Trophy, amassing 236 runs in nine matches. With his current form, it is hoped that he will soon make his IPL debut in the upcoming seasons.

Shubham Khajuria’s Stats: Batting

FormatMatchesInningsBallsRunsHSAverageBallsSR100s50s4s6s
FC7012233,89725532.748,33246.7772349774
List A717002,49515935.642,96284.2361426770
T20s474651,12485*27.41918122.440710943

These cricketers have not only put Kashmir on the map but have also set a benchmark for aspiring cricketers in the region. With their talent and determination, the future of Kashmiri cricket looks brighter than ever.

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