Former international cricketer and renowned cricket commentator Surinder Khanna on Wednesday said that it is golden chance for J&K cricketers to learn and improve their game under Irfan Pathan.
“Irfan is still an active player and has achieved lot in his career. It is good thing that J&K Cricket Association (JKCA) has roped him as mentor cum player as it will help in the development of young cricketers,” Khanna said.
“Irfan has got abundance of knowledge and experience and I suggest young cricketers from J&K to listen to what he says. They should observe him, follow his suggestions and also use his expertise in improving their game. It is not just that they should watch him train. They should go and ask for his help. It is golden chance for J&K cricketers,” he said.
Khanna a top class cricketer from Delhi said, “I have played lot against J&K and I respect lot of them. One such cricketer was Abdul Rouf (Roufi), he was a fine all-rounder. Lately I saw J&K team playing well when Bishen Singh Bedi was their K coach.”
“The team under Bedi improved lot and they did achieve good results in national arena. Even after his departure, team continued to do well. To bring in Irfan Pathan will help in the same way and I hope to see J&K doing well this season,” he said.
About Parvez Rasool, he said, “I know Parvez from the days of Bedi being J&K Coach. Whatever Bedi Ji told me about this cricketer he has done that. Though he has not got too many chances with Team India but he has still kept himself in limelight by doing well in Ranji circuit and other arenas.”
Referring to weather and hospitality in Kashmir, he termed people living in the Valley as lucky. “We yearn to breathe clean air like this. Even in city like Srinagar you have got such clean air and weather. I have come to Kashmir number of times and each time I feel I am reborn here. Other beautiful aspect of Kashmir is its people and their hospitality. Whenever I have come here I have got lot of love from the people. Not to mention friends but even locals have given me lot of love,” Khanna added.