Srinagar, Sep 6 : Former cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra on Sunday said Kashmir has the talent to produce India’s next fast bowler, but players from Jammu and Kashmir need more opportunities and platforms to progress.
Speaking at a press conference in Srinagar as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), Chopra said he hoped a fast bowler from the region would emerge and go on to represent India.
“I hope that the next fast bowler that we get will also come from here. Till now, we are not able to catch him. But he is here somewhere,” Chopra said.
Chopra said the expansion of cricket in Kashmir was a natural progression given the interest in the sport among people in the region.
“We are just hoping that we add another chapter and give Kashmir a representation,” he said.
Referring to Jammu and Kashmir’s Ranji Trophy triumph, Chopra said the achievement should be followed by creating more opportunities for local players.
“J&K won the Ranji Trophy. I am sure it is a proud moment for every Kashmiri. It is very difficult to win the Ranji Trophy,” he said.
Chopra, who has played against Jammu and Kashmir during his cricket career, said the region had players capable of progressing but lacked opportunities.
“I have played a lot against J&K and I have enjoyed playing against them. There is quality but there are no opportunities. So, that’s what we are trying to do. We are trying to bring opportunities,” he said.
He also referred to Murad Malik and said there could be more players like him in Jammu and Kashmir.
Chopra said the growth of cricket in the region could also create opportunities outside playing, including for coaches, support staff, logistics personnel and broadcasters.
“There is everything in the ecosystem. There are coaches, support staff, logistics managers. So, there is employment opportunity,” he said.
He also mentioned Kashmiri commentator Vivek Rajdhan and said the expansion of cricket could provide opportunities for local broadcasters.
On Kashmir Willow bats, Chopra said the region already had a connection with cricket through the production of bats, while children and players from Kashmir also take up the sport.
He said the interest shown by people in matches held in Kashmir, including the Kashmir Premier League, demonstrated the scope for further development of the game in the region.
Chopra also offered advice to aspiring broadcasters, saying they should understand the game, develop their own style and avoid simply following others.
“Understand the game. Live the game. And just don’t follow anyone. Create your own personality. Your own style,” he said.
He said broadcasters should keep the sport at the centre of their work rather than giving greater importance to themselves.
“More than the sport, we start giving importance to ourselves,” Chopra said.
He added that the role of a broadcaster was to serve the sport and contribute to its presentation.(KNS)
