Suhail Khan
Hubballi, Feb 27: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday expressed confidence that the ongoing Ranji Trophy final will serve as a launchpad for several cricketers from the region to represent the country, ending a prolonged drought of national talent from the Valley.
CM Omar, who arrived here to witness the historic Ranji Trophy final clash against Karnataka, termed the team’s entry into the title round a “big deal” and praised their resilience amid initial doubts.
“It was a big deal for us to see our UT team in the finals because it is the first time we have reached the finals of the J&K Ranji Trophy. But after making it to the finals, a lot of people said that we would not be able to go beyond this,” the Chief Minister told reporters as per Kashmir Convener.
However, buoyed by the team’s performance, he expressed hope that the side would return with the coveted trophy. “Considering the team’s performance in the first innings and the bowling they did after that, we are hoping that they will take the trophy back from here,” he added.
Asserting that a lack of exposure has historically masked the region’s cricketing talent, CM Omar called for national recognition for the current squad.
“Because of a lack of exposure, you haven’t heard about our cricketers. But the way they reached the finals and the way they have been playing in the finals, I think it is about time that some of our youngsters are now invited or asked to play for the country,” he said.
“I think one or two of them definitely deserve to wear the Indian colours,” he asserted, noting that the team’s performance marks a significant turnaround after 67 years. “Sixty-seven years is a very long time, sir. But now the team is doing very well,” he added.
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