Former India cricketer Suresh Raina is currently in quarantine in Dubai in preparation for the upcoming IPL 2020, where he will turn out for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). In his second innings after international cricket, Raina is turning to give it back to the sport which has given him fame and fortune.

His hardcore fans know, but many may be unaware of the relation between Suresh Raina and Jammu and Kashmir. Raina is a Kashmiri Pandit and his father Trilok Chand hails from Rainawari in the State of Jammu and Kashmir, his mother is from Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh.

Therefore in order to do something for his homeland, Raina has written to state DGP Dilbagh Singh seeking permission to promote cricket in Jammu and Kashmir and providing an opportunity to the underprivileged kids of the state to learn the game.  

IPL 2020: WATCH- Suresh Raina sings self-composed “Quarantine Rap”

“I have etched a mark on the field of international cricket for 15 years, and thus I would like to make use of the knowledge and skills I learned over the years and pass it onto the next generation. My intention is to find out the talented youngsters from various parts of the state,” he wrote.

The J&K Ranji team made their debut in 1959-60, but have always been the minnow of Indian domestic cricket. However recently, under the captaincy of Parvez Rasool, the team has put up a valiant effort and in 2013-14 season they made it to the quarterfinals of Ranji Trophy.

In the next season, J&K earned their biggest victory as they defeated 42-time champions Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium. In the 2019-20 season, they once again made it to the knockouts of the Ranji Trophy.

Parvez Rasool became the first player to play for India in international cricket and first to be picked in the IPL as well. Currently, the state team is handled by former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan in a role as a mentor.

J&K's own Rasik Salim Dar and Abdul Samad have been part of IPL in recent times, with Dar playing a game for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2019.

Here is the letter by Suresh Raina to J&K officials:

 

 

 

 

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Since long I have represented India as a proud Indian cricketer. I have got an opportunity to be India’s ambassador in the game of cricket to the entire world. Now the time has come for me to give it back to the society and the people who gave me all their love, support and blessings all these years. Since my ancestors belong to Kashmir and I myself feel deeply connected to my roots in the valley as a Kashmiri Pandit originally, I felt the need to inculcate strong sportsmanship, cricketing spirit and values for our children and youth in Jammu & Kashmir. That is what made me write to J&K DGP Dilbag Singh ji and SSP Anantnag Sandeep Chaudhary ji sharing a proposal for this cricketing opportunity for underprivileged and rural area children from Jammu & Kashmir. It’s a humble beginning and I plan to take it forward to make cricket a strong passion for the youth and find success in the sport with the right guidance and motivation. Since I have seen struggle and hardships throughout my journey, I can relate to the hardships they mind be facing amidst continuous terrorism and terror violence. While Uttar Pradesh is my Karma Bhoomi, I also feel Jammu & Kashmir is equally my land and it’s people are my own brothers and sisters. I hope I can contribute to make it a nationwide campaign beginning from Jammu & Kashmir.❤️✅

A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3) on Aug 26, 2020 at 1:09am PDT