Jammu & Kashmir cricketer Parvez, who was detained by Banglore Police recently, has been Picked for next month's Rajasthan Royals selection Trials.
Jammu & Kashmir cricketer Parvez, who was detained by Banglore Police recently, has been Picked for next month's Rajasthan Royals selection Trials.
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Parvez Rasool at the DY Patil Stadium in Nerul. PIC/ATUL KAMBLE |
From a terror-related suspect to an Indian Premier League hopeful. It's been an amazing turnaround in the life of Jammu & Kashmir cricketer Parvez Rasool over the last few weeks.
Parvez, whose detention by the Karnataka police during the Champions League caught nationwide attention last month, has been invited to attend the trials of Rajasthan Royals 2008 champions of the lucrative IPL.
Parvez earned a call-up with his fine showing against Mumbai in the All India Under-22 League match at the DY Patil Stadium, Nerul. He scored half-centuries in both innings and grabbed four wickets as J&K almost scripted a big upset being just a wicket away from scoring an outright win over the hosts. Mumbai under-22 coach Satish Samant, who is part of the Rajasthan Royals coaching staff, was impressed by Parvez's performance and asked to come for the trials.
"Samant Sir told me he liked my batting and asked me if I would be interested in attending the Rajasthan Royals trials in December. It's a very big thing for me and I am very happy. I will surely attend the trials. I batted, bowled and fielded well against Mumbai," Parvez told MiD DAY.
Parvez scored 67 and 60 in the four-day game which concluded on Saturday. He also claimed four wickets with his off-spinners as Mumbai lost nine wickets chasing 140 for victory.
The Kashmiri was playing against Mumbai for the first time. "There were quite a few players in the Mumbai team who play in the IPL and have played for India at the junior level. Battling them has given me the confidence that I too can play at a higher level. Coming so close to beating Mumbai has given me a lot of self-belief," said Parvez.
Still struggling to come to terms with the humiliation in Bangalore, the chat with Samant lifted his spirits. Yesterday, Parvez was his cheerful self as he went shopping in southern Mumbai with his coach Abdul Qayoom.u00a0
"It was the toughest period of my life (being detained by police in Bangalore). I was very disturbed, but my cricketing progress is because of my family's support. 'Whatever has happened, has happened. Now, give it your all on the field,' they told me. I am heeding their advice and it has helped me recover from the trauma," said Parvez.
