Mumbai: Parvez Rasool created history by becoming the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to represent India at the senior level. The Indian selectors picked the 24-year-old allrounder on Friday in the 15-member squad for the upcoming five-match ODI series in Zimbabwe. The selectors also included him in the India A squad for the tri-series in South Africa.
Many state cricketers such as his childhood coach Abdul Qayoom Bagaw and more recently Abid Nabi both pacers came close but none could seal the ultimate India berth.
“It came on expected lines. I thought the selectors will rest a few regulars including R. Ashwin during the Zimbabwe tour, so I will get a chance and all thanks to the Allah. I did well in the domestic season last season and I always felt I was in the reckoning,” he said.
In his seven Ranji matches last season, Rasool scored 594 runs at an average of 54 with two centuries, and took 33 wickets. “It is just a beginning and I hope to go a long way. I am happy to create history and I wish many more state cricketers get a chance to make it big in the future,” a confident Rasool added.
The talented cricketer returned with impressive figures of 7/45 against the Aussies in a warm-up match in February and was a part of the probables for the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.