For The First Time Ever In Our History, We Had A Proper Preseason: Parvez Rasool

Not very long ago Parvez Rasool and Jammu & Kashmir were looking destined to write one of the best stories in Indian cricket. It was in 2014 when the fairytale started. In June that year, Rasool became the first and only cricketer till date from the region to represent India when he made his ODI debut against Bangladesh in Dhaka.

Six months later in December, Jammu & Kashmir pulled off one of their most memorable wins in Ranji Trophy by defeating Mumbai, the most decorated side in Indian cricket. But neither Rasool nor Jammu & Kashmir could build on those promising starts.

Fast forward to 2018, Rasool is not even in the reckoning for a place in the national team. On the other hand, Jammu & Kashmir have faded away from the scene after generating so much hype with their giant-killing spree a few years ago.

And Rasool admitted that things haven’t kicked on as they should have despite his elevation to the national set-up four years ago.

The allrounder cited lack of preparation for not building on the promising results.

“I thought when I played for India, some good things will happen in Jammu & Kashmir and the facilities will improve. We also beat Mumbai in Mumbai. But we haven’t kicked on and nothing has happened. The reason for that is the lack of preparation,” said Rasool.

He also revealed an incident from the last season to back his claim, saying:

“Last year, we reached Jaipur at 11.30 in the night with our first game being the next day. Such things obviously highlight poor preparation.”

However, Rasool is confident that the team will do well in the upcoming season due to a good pre-season preparation.

Jammu & Kashmir invited Uttar Pradesh to play practise games and have roped in India allrounder Irfan Pathan as player-cum mentor.

“For the first time ever in our history, we had a proper preseason. We have been having a camp since June and Irfan has been there with us all the way through. We also brought an outstation team (Uttar Pradesh) to Jammu and Kashmir for the first time and played four practice games. The preparation has been good. In the last six months, things have improved. I am very happy that good things are finally happening. Some new guys are coming and there is talent coming through. There is a good atmosphere for cricket now,” Rasool said.

Rasool has so far played one ODI and same number of T20I. In first class, he has amassed 3,680 runs and picked up 196 wickets in 66 games.