Meet the first player from J&K to play in the IPL

Parveez Rasool became the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to play in the Indian Premier League when he turned out for Pune Warriors on Thursday.

After spending time on the sidelines for 12 matches, the 24-year-old batting all-rounder, finally found a place in the Pune side’s playing eleven against Kolkata Knight Riders.

Rasool, who replaced leg-spinner Rahul Sharma, struck in his second over, dismissing Jacques Kallis.

The unassuming player from the valley shot into the limelight with a seven-wicket haul against the visiting Australians while playing for the Board President's XI earlier this year.

Rasool, a day ahead of his 24th birthday, spun a web around the Aussies and had impressive figures of seven for 45 for the Board President's XI on a pitch that offered the slow bowlers assistance.

A month before that, the all-rounder was included in the 14-member India ‘A’ squad for the warm-up one-day match against England in Delhi.

The call-ups were reward for his strong showing with both bat and ball in J&K's otherwise disappointing run in the last Ranji Trophy season.

He finished on top of both batting and bowling charts for the team with 594 runs, including two centuries, and 33 wickets.

With Pune tasting just two wins and 10 defeats, Rasool's inclusion at the fag end of the cash-rich T20 tournament is certainly better late than never.

Image: Parveez Rasool

Photograph: BCCI