Veteran India all-rounder Irfan Pathan, who has been chosen as the coach of Jammu and Kashmir cricket team, carried out the selection camps for young cricketers in north, south, and central Kashmir on Sunday (June 1).

Pathan will also be watching over the final selections in Srinagar. Talking about his role in Jammu and Kashmir cricket, Irfan stated that he will be mentoring the young talents of the state apart from representing their senior cricket team.

"I am here for representing the senior cricket team. I will be mentoring the kids and will play as well. Hundred selected kids have come here from various districts and fifty more will be joining soon," Pathan quoted as saying by ANI.

The left-arm pacer also expressed his delight on meeting with the kids. He feels that the budding cricketers of Jammu and Kashmir lack experience and knowledge of fitness. Irfan believes if these kids start following the suggested process then Jammu and Kashmir cricket will reach greater heights.

"Cricket association here is very keen to work towards improving the facilities. Earlier there used to be only one kind of pitch but I have requested the ground staff to provide me with three four types of pitches so that youngsters can get more exposure," Pathan said.

"In every district here, cricket is played on the mat. If not all districts, there should be at least three districts having turf wicket. The process will take time but the good thing is that it has started," he added.

Commenting on Irfan’s appointment as a head coach, India international cricketer Parvez Rasool said that the state is fortunate to have Irfan Pathan as its mentor.

"We are fortunate to have Irfan Pathan, we hope his experience will be helpful. He is appointed here as a mentor, coach-cum-player. He will be sharing his experience in the senior team dressing room which is a great thing," Rasool said.

(With ANI inputs)