Jammu: Ahead of upcoming domestic cricket season, Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) is organising a three-day trial cum selection camp at twin capital cities – Jammu and Srinagar of the Union Territory.
In the two days of trials, 60 girls and 900 boys attended the trials in the twin regions.
An official handout issued here by the JKCA said that preliminary trials have begun for selection of probable for the Men and Women U-19 teams to represent J&K in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy (one day format) and Women One day Trophy being organized by the BCCI from September 20 to October 18.
Last year these tournaments could not be held due to Covid-19.
“The trials began on August 25 both at Jammu and Srinagar and will terminate on August 27,” Brig Anil Gupta, Member-Administration JKCA said.
He however, said that seeing the large number of young cricketers reporting for trials, the selectors have been given the option to extend the trials by a day.
Mithun Manhas, Member-Cricket who is personally supervising the trials has revealed that almost 60 girls and 900 boys reported for trials on the first day at both the venues.
To ensure that proper Covid protocol is maintained players were advised to bring along RT-PCR or RAT report, he said asserting that for those who could not manage, the arrangements were made at both the stadiums to conduct Rapid Antigen Test (RAT).
All players without the certificate were subjected to the test before entering the ground stated Manhas.
Arun Sharma, Chairman of Men Junior Selection Committee said that he was thrilled with the response and the josh displayed by the participants.
“On the first day players were allowed to build self-confidence and prepare themselves for their mission. None other than those who did not meet the age criteria have been rejected on the first day,” he expressed.
He further said, “selectors would ensure that none of them goes disappointed from here due to reasons other than cricketing abilities. A player will be put through all aspects of the game including mental tests.”
Pratibha Wadhera, Chairperson of the Women Junior Selection Committee informed that 38 girls reported for trials at Jammu which is unprecedented.
“For the first time girls have come from Batote, Udhampur, Samba, Akhnoor and Kathua. We will do fair and unbiased selection. I thank the JKCA for taking the initiative to spot young talent across the region,” stated Pratibha.
Majid Dar, Incharge Cricket Srinagar stated, “There is huge enthusiasm among the youth and it is a huge turn up from the U-19 level cricketers.”
“We didn’t expect such participation and has surprised all of us.” Sunil Sethi said adding, “apart from huge numbers, what is heartening is that players have turned up from far off and remote places. It shows how popular cricket is among the youngsters in J&K. The sub-committee wants to harness this talent.”
