Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan dismissed the suggestions that players face discrimination based on region in the national team selection.
Dhawan admitted that while discrimination does not exist, luck does impact a player's career. However, he noted that missed opportunities affect players universally, whether they are from major cricketing hubs like Delhi and Mumbai or anywhere else.
"No, there is certainly no discrimination," Dhawan told reporters at a press conference when asked whether there was discrimination of players from Jammu and Kashmir as they do not get many opportunities.
"If you perform, no one on earth can keep you out; your performance must do the talking. Sometimes, luck also plays its part. That isn't exclusive to J&K. Whether it's a boy from Delhi or Mumbai, you will find plenty of instances where a player deserved an opportunity, but didn't get it, and someone else was picked instead. That is simply part and parcel of this game," he said.
The press interaction was hosted alongside former India cricketer Aakash Chopra and regional star Parveez Rasool to announce Season 2 of the Pro Star Cricket League.
"Today, when I was playing golf, I remarked to someone that 'your physique is just like that of a fast bowler'. The fast bowlers from here are remarkably strong and gifted. What is positive is that cricket exposure here is expanding. The more matches they play, the more their experience will grow," Dhawan stated.
Referring to J&K's Ranji Trophy title win, the southpaw added: "It was for the first time in history. The widespread acclaim they received was truly commendable. Paras Dogra led them very well; all the boys from Kashmir and Jammu joined hands and played with great unity."
Citing the examples of Rasool and Umran Malik, who have represented India also featured in the IPL, Dhawan said these players received a tremendous platform. He, however, insisted that the key is that the players must perform consistently at that level.
Dhawan said the Pro Star Cricket League provides an ideal platform for youngsters to relish their dreams and also rub shoulders with international cricketers.
Chopra, who is the League Commissioner, said while luck does play a part, the competition is quite stiff.
"Luck does play a role, but the only thing within your control is to keep working hard and performing consistently. Indian cricket is currently at a juncture where if you have genuine talent, it will provide you with a stage.
"If not while playing for the national side, the IPL will offer that platform. Then you play the Ranji Trophy, you play the Duleep Trophy. There is a lot of cricket that is happening," he said.
Chopra pointed out that Indian cricket now boasts multi-layered pathways. Even if immediate national selection proves difficult, tournaments like the IPL, Ranji Trophy, and Duleep Trophy offer massive, merit-based platforms for genuine talent to succeed.
He namedropped fast bowler Aqib Nabi who has played in the IPL and has been picked up for the national team as well, saying opportunities are coming his way.
"The New Zealand tour is approaching. He is a fine lad and will do well," Chopra said of Nabi.
(With PTI Inputs)
