Parvez Rasool - A story of determination, courage and total obsession

Seldom does it happen that you intend to write about a cricketer who really does not possess an outstanding track record! In such cases you are confused as to where to begin. In fact, I will have to start from the basics.

The player in question is Parvez Ghulam Rasool Zargar. He was born on February 13th 1989 in Bijbehara in the state of J&K. He plays for India A, and J&K. He happens to be the captain of a team which reached the last 8 in the Ranji Trophy this year for the first time ever – and that too by virtue of the slightest possible margin. The deciding factor, the run quotient in favor of J&K was +1.ooo6, whereas their nearest rival Goa remained stuck at +1.ooo5. This is simply mind blowing – but I think they earned their luck!

In this impeccable journey of the less privileged Ranji team of J&K, the role of Parvez Rasool has been vital. Apart from giving a meticulous contribution of 83 runs in that deciding match against Tripura, Parvez also took 7 wickets. This hard working right hand batsman and impressive off break bowler had made it an issue of pride for his team to enter the so called “elite group” of the Ranji Trophy.

Rasool got noticed as a wonderful performer for Jammu and Kashmir in the 2012-13 Ranji Trophy, when he emerged as top scorer and highest wicket-taker. Overall, in the seven Ranji matches he played, Rasool scored 594 runs with two centuries, and took 33 wickets at 18.09.

He loves following English spinner Graeme Swann. Rasool had once admitted that Graeme Swann was very good and both of them have got similar bowling styles. Rasool is apparently inspired by him. Also, Rasool has admitted that his favourite cricketer is batting legend Sachin Tendulkar.

Rasool was a part of India A’s tour to South Africa, where the visitors won the tri-series against South Africa A and Australia A. For him this was a great learning experience. He is a keen learner and always ready to improvise.

As a batsman, Parvez has played 29 first class matches and he has got a quite impressive batting average of 40.23. Likewise, in the arena of bowling, he has taken 84 wickets in the 29 matches he has played but his average is a bit high at 31.66. But he has got all the right ingredients.

Parvez Rasool belongs to the family of cricketers. His father, a government servant, used to open for Anantnag in the domestic circuit. His elder brother had also played a few matches for J&K. Rasool always shows his gratitude for two individuals – Firstly, his father, for supporting his dream, and secondly, the coach of J&K Ranji team, Bishan Singh Bedi. Bedi played a key role in his nourishment and always promoted Rasool, owing to his dedication and passion for the game.

He happens to be the first player from J&K to be selected for India. Also, he is the first privileged one from the state who has got a contract with Pune Warriors – enabling him to play in the IPL.

The impeccable contribution of Parvez Rasool in promoting the game is amazing. This is despite the fact that the privileges available to J&K players are stated to be about 15% of what a developed state usually has. This is why he always gets applauded by the common man.

What is even more shocking is that many of the players have not received match fees since two years! Yet, players like Rasool have been self-motivated and also been motivating others.

The moral of the story is that keeping in view his contribution; he should be considered for inclusion in the national squad. Personally, I feel that his unabated efforts made for the growth of cricket in the valley – despite minimal resources – are worth appreciation.

I believe that perhaps 100 camps would not have contributed in promotion of the game like the way this sole crusader’s commitment has done. Perhaps the media and the fans will be able to mobilize opinion in favour of this young man, who is honestly following his passion of cricket, in this cricket mad country.