Jammu and Kashmir will not forget the Pervez Rasool episode in a hurry.
Jammu and Kashmir will not forget the Pervez Rasool episode in a hurry.
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JKCA president Farokh Abdullah |
Rasool was questioned on Sunday when they suspected RDX traces in his kitbag in Bangalore where the young cricketer was playing an under-22 tournament. He was later released, but the stigma will stay and heaven knows how long it will take the cricketer to get over the incident.
But his teammates can be of great help. His state's leaders, Farokh and Omar Abdullah too.
Abdullah Sr heads the J & K Cricket Association so he has a duty of a cricket administrator too. He must discourage all actions that will appear very supportive now, but will be detrimental to the cricketer in the longer run.
Making a huge issue out of a security action will not help Rasool forget all about it. Indian cricket is littered with instances of players not prospering after they were involved in controversy. Opening up old wounds would not be appropriate but one example is worth mentioning. An India cricketer who was forced to plead guilty to shoplifting on a tour contemplated committing suicide only to be counseled by his teammate. That player is a successful coach today and has contributed in some measure to Mumbai and Indian cricket.
