Fringe Indian player Rasool rues lack of adequate cricket facilities in Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu: Taking a dig at the poor cricket infrastructure in the state, Jammu and Kashmir all-rounder Parveez Rasool today voiced his concerns about lack of quality facilities, which is a hindrance for the talented cricketers to showcase their skills and come into national reckoning.

"There are number of problems (with regards to cricket in J&K). We do not have proper infrastructure. We do not have a number of grounds also. We have only two grounds ---one in Jammu and another in Srinagar," Rasool, who is an India A regular

and was also first cricketer from state to be selected in the national team, told PTI here today.

Asked to elaborate, Rasool said,"When we go to Srinagar in November, we cannot play there for six months (due to snowfall). After that when we come to Jammu, we are left with only one ground. We do not have good turf wickets (natural grass)."

Rasool, who was named in the Rest of India squad for Irani Cup that will take on Ranji champions, Karnataka, at Bangalore from February 9, said "If we ought to perform well, we need to have good infrastructure. We should first have grounds for practice and there should be better facilities".

Today, Rasool was felicitated here by Union Minister and Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) President Dr Farooq Abdullah at a function today.

"Dr Abdullah gave away momentos and cheques worth Rs 35 lakh to players and team officials for reaching quaterfinals in Ranji Trophy this season," JKCA Press and Media Incharge, Ranjeet Kalra said.