04 November,2009 07:41 AM IST | | Correspondent
Former Mumbai batsman Vinayak Mane's Jammu & Kashmir experience has started on a sour note as Services decided to skip the Ranji Trophy game at Srinagar. Mane was to make his debut as J&K captain against Services yesterday. "It's disappointing that the match was not played. For the players, it is a missed opportunity to perform in order to gain selection in zonal and other teams," said Mane.
He felt adequate security measures were in place for the players to feel secure in Srinagar. "I attended a 10-day camp here last month and there was no problem. You do see army personnel around, but the situation is quite normal. I have not seen any untoward incident. The ground is beautifully maintained and the wicket is good. It's a pity that the match did not take place," said the former Mumbai opener.
To make up for missing out on the match, Mane said the J&K team are playing a two-day practice game. "We will call some of the probables and play amongst ourselves to get into the groove," the J&K skipper said.
Services, who have been banned by the BCCI, have offered to play the match on a rescheduled date. Mane said the players would not mind as it would give them an opportunity to perform.
