Syed Shahab Abbas
MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Jammu and Kashmir possesses fertile soil that has groomed multiple talented cricketers who have gained top-level international recognition for Pakistan, India and England, proving the potential of cricketers from Kashmir.
Among these gems is Haroon Rasheed, a former Pakistani Test cricketer whose roots trace back to Kashmir. He participated in 23 Test matches and 12 ODIs for Pakistan. The international cricket stage welcomed Hasan Raza between 1996 and 2005 after he started playing for Pakistan at Azad Kashmir.
Former English cricketer Moeen Ali comes from Dadyal, Azad Kashmir since he has Kashmiri family roots. During his international career for England, Moeen Ali appeared in 68 Tests together with 138 ODIs and 92 T20 Internationals while once taking the captain’s role. Through off-spinning and batting aggressively Moeen Ali became a vital member of the England cricket team. Indian former cricketer Suresh Raina hails from Rainawari which is situated near Srinagar within the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The aggressive batter and skilled fielder contributed importantly to India’s limited-overs team setup.
The Pakistani cricketer Sufiyan Muqeem hails from Sudhnoti district of Azad Kashmir. He has appeared in multiple T20 and ODI matches before being acknowledged for his developing cricket abilities. The fast bowler Salman Irshad from Rawalakot in Azad Kashmir has become notable after competing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and other 20-20 cricket leagues. Mehran Mumtaz of Kahuta in Azad Kashmir has provided impressive performances during PSL matches to earn notice from cricket lovers.
The quick bowler Zaman Khan represents Pakistan while being a native of Chakswari which belongs to Azad Kashmir. The tribals who came from Pakistan’s tribal lands brought him into the world though his cricket development took place in Azad Kashmir’s Mirpur city and now he plays as a member of Lahore Qalandars in PSL. Fast bowler Umran Malik who showcases exceptional pace as an Indian cricketer comes from the Jammu Kashmir town of Gujjar Nagar. The right-arm fast bowler entered the world in 1999 and currently holds a position as India’s fastest player in cricket while maintaining international experience.
The women’s cricket player Natalia Parvez who represents Pakistan hails from Bandala which is located in the vicinity of the LoC in Bhimber district of Azad Kashmir. She proved herself as a promising cricketer by demonstrating her skills through participation in the national team. These talented players have established Jammu and Kashmir as a proud nation by demonstrating their worldwide skill level which encourages upcoming athletes to continue their path.
