From 'terror' suspect to one of Team India's 30 World Cup probables, Parvez Rasool has come a long way to live his dream in the wonderland of cricket.
Rasool achieved a rare honour on Thursday when he became the first cricketer from the restive Kashmir valley to be included in 30 probables for the next year's World Cup jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
"Obviously all cricket lovers are very happy. I am getting so many calls. It is just the first step and next step is to come in final 15. Inshallah! I will work hard and by the prayers of my well wishers and Kashmiri brethren, I should come in 15. I am working hard towards this," Parvez told dna on Thursday.
The 25-year-old cricketer wants to give his best shot in the forthcoming Ranji Trophy matches.
"I have performed well in one-dayers. I hope to do well again. I will try hard to make my place in the final 15 players," he said.
However, it has not been an easy journey for the cricketer from Bijbhera, a sleepy south Kashmir town known as land of willows given its proximity with bat manufacturing and willow cultivation.
Rasool was detained by Bangalore police on suspected terror charges on October 17, 2009, just days before his match in the Under-22 CK Nayudu Trophy. They suspected he was carrying explosives, which was later negated by forensic tests.
"Since the news broke people including my well-wishers and family members have been calling continuously to congratulate me. It is encouraging for youngsters in general and cricket of J&K in particular. Performance always matters," he said.
There are many firsts attached to Rasool. He became the first Kashmiri player last year to be including in the Indian team for the Zimbabwe tour. Rasool was perhaps the first cricketer in the IPL-6 to refuse to wear the logo of a liquor company on his jersey owing to his Islamic beliefs. Playing for Pune Warriors, he used duct tape to cover the logo during the match against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Parvez's coach Abdul Qayoom Bagaw said, "I have not seen such an obedient and down-to-earth person in my life. He has no bad habit. He picks up things very well. He is fast learner and it is his main quality."
Bagaw is hopeful that Rasool will prove his mettle. "He is perhaps the best all-rounder presently. I have been teaching him since he was 14. He always calls and seeks tips. He is such a good boy," he said.
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