‘No One Can Keep You Out’: Dhawan’s Strong Message To Kashmir’s Rising Cricketers

Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has rejected suggestions that cricketers from Jammu and Kashmir face discrimination in national team selection, saying performance remains the biggest factor in earning a place in the Indian side.

Speaking in Srinagar on Sunday, Dhawan said players who consistently perform cannot be ignored, while acknowledging that luck can sometimes influence a cricketer's career.

“No, there is certainly no discrimination. If you perform, no one on earth can keep you out; your performance must do the talking,” Dhawan said.

He added that deserving players can miss opportunities irrespective of their region, pointing out that similar situations occur with cricketers from major cricketing centres such as Delhi and Mumbai.

“Sometimes, luck also plays its part. That isn't exclusive to J&K,” he said.

Dhawan was speaking at a press conference announcing the Pro Star Cricket League (PSCL) Season 2, which aims to identify and develop emerging cricket talent across the country. The tournament is scheduled to begin in Srinagar in the first week of March next year before its final in Dehradun.

Dhawan and former Jammu and Kashmir cricketer Parvez Rasool have been named Iconic Players of the league.

Praising the region's talent, Dhawan said Jammu and Kashmir has produced strong and gifted fast bowlers and that increased exposure to competitive cricket would help youngsters gain valuable experience.

He also highlighted J&K's historic Ranji Trophy title, crediting Paras Dogra and the team's unity for the landmark achievement.

League Commissioner Aakash Chopra also stressed hard work and consistency, saying players now have several platforms, including the IPL, Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy, to prove their ability.

Chopra cited fast bowler Aqib Nabi as an example of a J&K player receiving opportunities after performing at the domestic and IPL levels.