Second phase of junior trials in Kashmir postponed due to security reasons, reveals Irfan Pathan
Jammu & Kashmir state team mentor - Irfan Pathan - revealed that all the kids departed for their residences due the ongoing security situation in the state. Pathan added that the JKCA will use the facilities of other state associations to carry out pre-season practice if required.
While the ongoing situation in Jammu & Kashmir is predicted to have grave consequences in the long term as far as socio-political areas are concerned, it has also affected the state's cricket team with immediate effect. Former India all-rounder and current mentor to Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) - Irfan Pathan - has revealed that all the young aspiring cricketers from the U-16 & U-19 age groups have departed for their respective homes in light of the recent events up north.
The state administration has issued an advisory for all tourists and Amarnath Yatris to leave the valley due to a potential terror threat and other security concerns.
“We have, for the time being, postponed the second phase of junior team trials. We had the first phase from June to July. This was the second phase. However since there has been a government advisory, I had a meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) CEO Mr Bukhari and administrator Justice Prasad. Accordingly, it was decided that the boys need to be sent back home.
“I ensured, at least for a few boys, that they can reach their homes safely. I can understand that their parents were tensed and rightly so. I called up some of them to confirm that they have indeed reached their homes. Now that everyone has left, I left today,” Pathan was quoted as saying by Sportstar.
The 34-year old further added that if required, JKCA will use the training facilities of other state associations in order to carry out their pre-season training preparation.
"We have got an elaborate blue print ready. We wanted to have a heads up in our preparations and that’s why we started the camp as early as June so that when this camp starts, we can shortlist the boys easily. Also, our boys will be playing an All-India pre-season tournament and I will monitor their performance.
“If the situation demands, there could be a contingency plan where JKCA can use the training facilities of any other state association,” Pathan added.
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