Kashmir cricketer aims to represent India one day after move to North Zone

Despite not being a big cricketing state Jammu and Kashmir has shown great interest in the sport. In recent years, we’ve witnessed Parvez Rasool who has regularly been part of the Indian Premier League and also went on to represent India. Now there’s another rising hope from the valley.

Manzoor Ahmad Dar, also a security guard in a private company rose to fame in Jammu and Kashmir for his cricketing skills. Famously known as Manzoor Pandav of Bandipora’s Sonawari village, he has been offered to play for the North Zone which seems to be a big break for the Srinagar star.

Known as the Ravinder Jadeja of the Valley, Manzoor now aims to make it to the Indian Cricket Team. While it would be too early to take a call on that, his cricket journey so far has been an intriguing one filled as he has achieved laurels at different levels. His swashbuckling batting has made him a famous batsman in the state.

Manzoor talks about his journey

Manzoor confessed that the journey wasn’t a smooth ride. “I had extreme financial problems due to which I had to leave my schooling and earn a living for my family. So I joined as a security guard at Tata Motors, but cricket was my life’s passion and I couldn’t leave it. Even cricket didn’t leave me. So I worked in night and practised otherwise.”

Speaking to Outlook India about the backing he has received, he told, “My family and friends have supported me throughout and it is only due to them that I continued playing cricket,”

“I don’t remember the exact number of runs that I have scored. But I am sure that I have smashed more than 40 centuries till now. My career’s highest score is 211 which I hit at Narbal ground,” he tried to recall his performances.

While he hasn’t proved himself at his best in the brief List A career and T20 games but all that he has played showcased his ability to score runs and also take wickets. The star also emphasised the importance of sports and how they are equally important to studies. “Everyone should be given a chance to prove their potential and fulfill their dream,” he added.

Improvising talent In Kashmir

Another senior Ranji player from Valley, Majid Dar said, “There are a lot of talented boys in the valley, but they need good facilities and infrastructure to support their dreams.”