Srinagar, Oct 20: For Parvez Rasool, cricket has come full circle.
From the dusty fields of Bijbehara town to wearing the India cap, Jammu and Kashmir’s first international cricketer says he is now ready for his next innings – nurturing new talent.
“I have achieved everything and didn’t want to become a hurdle in the entry of any talented cricketer from J&K into the domestic circuit,” Parvez told Greater Kashmir after announcing his retirement from all formats of cricket. “It’s time for the youngsters to take over.”
The 36-year-old off-spin all-rounder, who represented India in one ODI and one T20 International, said he takes pride not in personal milestones but in helping J&K earn respect on the national cricketing stage.
“When we started playing, not many took J&K cricket seriously. But we went on to beat some of the top teams in the Ranji Trophy. That changed everything,” he said.
Parvez’s 17-year journey shows the transformation of cricket in J&K.
“There was a time when opponents thought we did fold easily,” he said. “But we fought hard and made our presence felt. Those victories over teams like Mumbai and Delhi were defining moments for us.”
Under his leadership, J&K reached the Ranji Trophy quarter finals twice, a feat unthinkable a decade earlier.
“Every time I represented J&K, my only goal was to give everything for the team. The results didn’t always go our way, but I played with complete dedication,” he said.
Parvez admitted that being left out of the J&K squad in recent seasons was difficult, but he chose to see it as part of the journey.
“I would be lying if I said it didn’t hurt. But some things are beyond a cricketer’s control. You take it in your stride and move forward,” he said.
In recent years, Parvez played league cricket in Sri Lanka and began mentoring young players back home.
“It’s heartening to see the hunger among boys here. There’s so much raw talent in Kashmir. They just need the right guidance and opportunities,” he said.
Parvez credited former India spinner Bishan Singh Bedi for shaping his bowling and mindset.
“When I joined the J&K Ranji team, it was Bedi Sahab who taught me the art of off-spin, how to think ahead of the batsman and stay calm under pressure. I owe a lot to him,” he said.
Parvez also credited former J&K Ranji captain and fast-bowling sensation of late 1980s and early 1990s Qayoom Baghaw, a fellow native of Bijbehara, for mentoring him in his early years.
“Qayoom Sahab was very cooperative and guided me when I started playing for Bijbehara Sports and later when I represented the J&K Ranji team,” Parvez said.
Recalling his early days, Parvez said he also played for Kanwal Spices Ltd, Anantnag, in 2008, during which Greater Kashmir became the first newspaper to feature him.
“I still remember waiting eagerly for that first interview to appear in Greater Kashmir. It was a proud moment for me and my family,” he recalled with a smile.
Parvez believes mentoring is now his calling.
“I will dedicate myself to coaching and building academies. My aim is to find and polish talent from the grassroots,” he said.
Currently serving as a technical advisor to the J&K Sports Council, Parvez plans to help create better infrastructure and scouting systems.
“Bijbehara has always produced good cricketers, but now you see emerging players from other parts of the district too. That’s a great sign,” he said.
Colleagues describe Parvez as a player driven by hard work and quiet determination.
“There have been players more gifted than Parvez, but very few matched his discipline and focus,” said Muzafar Gatoo, 50, his senior at the Bijbehara Sports Club.
Parvez echoed that belief.
“Talent helps you start, but discipline and consistency take you forward. You can’t last long in this game without patience and humility,” he said.
Looking ahead, Parvez said his focus would be entirely on developing future cricketers from Jammu and Kashmir and at the same time playing in some leagues.
“I want to see more players from our region representing India. If my experience can help even one of them get there, that will be my biggest reward,” he said.
With his trademark calm, Parvez summed up his journey saying, “I’ve lived my dream. Now it’s time to help others live theirs.”
