Jammu and Kashmir first cricketer to play for India, Parvez Rasool promised to “guide youngsters” and “play for passion” after announcing his retirement from the sport on Monday.
Rasool’s retirement from cricket comes after over a decade since he became the first from the state to don the Indian national jersey at the international level.
Rasool made his India debut in 2014 against Bangladesh in an ODI. He took the wickets of then Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim and Anamul Haque in his 10 overs. However, the right-handed off-spinner was dropped from the side only to return to the Indian dressing room in 2017.
In 2017, Rasool made his T20I debut against England, taking only a wicket in his four overs. Sadly, Rasool never got to represent the national team after that. “It’s been an incredible journey one filled with dreams, hard work, joy, and countless memories that I will cherish forever,” Rasool said in a post on Facebook.
“From local grounds to representing my team and my country, In cricket Allah has given me everything I ever wished for. Thankful to my family, coaches, teammates, and fans for their love, trust, and constant support throughout this journey. Every moment I’ve spent on the field has been an honour and a blessing,” added the 36-year-old.
Regarded as an inspiration for young cricketers in the region, Rasool established himself as a dependable all-rounder with 5648 runs and took 352 wickets in first-class cricket. Rasool has also earned the prestigious Lala Amarnath Award twice for the Best All-Rounder in the Ranji Trophy in 2013-14 and 2017-18 seasons. The highlight of his domestic career came in 2012-13 where he scored 594 runs and took 33 wickets.
Parvez Rasool’s records in Indian Premier League
Like for India, Rasool, who hails from South Kashmir’s Bijbehara, also became the first from Jammu and Kashmir to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He made his IPL debut with now-defunct Pune Warriors India in 2013, before representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad later in his career.
Overall, Rasool played 11 games in IPL from 2013 t0 2016, taking just four wickets. Later in his career, Rasool have also played domestic cricket abroad – Gazi Group Cricketers and Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club in Bangladesh’s Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League and Badureliya Sports Club in Sri Lanka’s Major Clubs Limited Over Tournament.