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The streets of Kashmir’s Kulgam district got a reason to rejoice as a 17-year-old local, Rasikh Salam Dar, was picked up by Mumbai Indians at the 2019 IPL Auction. Dar became the third cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir after Parvez Rasool and Mansoor Dar to find a taker in the T20 league.
“We are extremely happy. It is all of Kashmir’s happiness. His friends, relatives, aunts, uncles, sisters brothers, everyone is very happy. It really is everyone’s happiness. We are so happy that he has reached so far.”Saleem Dar, Rasikh Dar’s Mother
“Rasikh was very fond of cricket from an early age. As a child, he used to ask for a bat and ball. Never asked for books and other things. When he was eight, he played his first cricket match in Budgam. He bowled really well in that match. He picked up two wickets and bowled with good pace,” said his brother Irfan Salam Dar.
After impressing at a district-wide T20 tournament, Dar was selected in the state’s under-19 team this year. He then bowled his way into the senior side, and was picked in the squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy in October. And it was during a district selection trial in Kashmir that Indian cricketer and J&K’s player-cum-mentor Irfan Pathan spotted Dar’s talent.
“This year at the trials when Irfan Pathan saw Rasikh he asked where he was from. When Rasikh said he’s from Kulgam, Irfan Pathan was really happy. And when he saw Rasikh bowl, he was very happy and said that his talent would take him far.”Irfan Salam Dar, Rasikh Dar’s brother
“It is a dream to sit with a cricketer like Irfan Pathan, take a selfie with him, or get his autograph. I’ve shared a dressing room with him, played with him, and spoken to him. He has treated me like his younger brother,” Rasikh told ANI.
After watching him bowl at a trial, the Rohit Sharma-led franchise bagged the player at the IPL auction in Jaipur on 18 December.
“When his name was selected, we were very happy. Specially because the selection has been completely fair. We haven’t give any donation. We can’t even afford it. Without giving money, he has been selected,” said his brother Irfan.
Ready to take the next big step in his career, Rasikh is hopeful that cricket in the state continues to see improvement.
“Inshallah it has been improving, and it will keep improving. The hope is that the cricketers who come after me play well and the ones that are with me also play well. The boys are playing everyday, and god-willing, will improve too.”Rasikh Dar
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