Irfan Pathan holds cricket selections in Kashmir

Indian fast bowler Irfan Pathan, who has been appointed mentor-cum-coach of Jammu and Kashmir cricket team, conducted selection camps for the young cricketers in north, south, and central Kashmir here on Sunday.

The 33-year-old will also be looking after the final selections in Srinagar.

Talking about his role in the state cricket, Pathan said that along with representing senior cricket team he will also be mentoring the young talents of the state.

"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 said.

The left-arm bowler expressed his delight over meeting the kids here and said that he enjoyed interacting with the kids.

He further said that what these kids lack is experience and knowledge of fitness and if they properly follow the process suggested then Jammu and Kashmir cricket will reach greater heights.

Commenting on the infrastructural facilities in the state, Pathan said that members of Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) are very keen to work in this area and have conducted various meetings to fasten the infrastructural growth.

"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," he 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.

Meanwhile, Indian cricketer Parvez Rasool said that the state is fortunate to have Irfan Pathan as its mentor and hoped that his experience would be useful not only for the youngsters but for the members of the senior team as well.

"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," the 29-year-old-cricketer said.