There is a good atmosphere for cricket now, says Parvez Rasool

2014 was the year when J&K cricket experienced two striking events in their cricket history. While in June, Parvez Rasool got the honour of being the first cricketer from the state to be recruited in the national team when they played against Bangladesh in Dhaka, in December, same year, Jammu & Kashmir went ahead to beat Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium in the Ranji Trophy - an unprecedented achievement. However, Rasool feels that the chain of development that should have continued, following those events was disrupted due to lack of preparation.

“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," Rasool told TOI.

“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,” he added.

On the other hand, Rasool has totally focused on his personal development over the years. He has picked some 70 wickets and scored approximately 1000 runs in the last two seasons of Ranji Trophy. Now that Irfan will be present with the J&K team as their mentor and player, Rasool is hopeful of a successful domestic season.

“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," he said.