SRINAGAR: If you think Kashmiris have shifted their allegiance from Pakistan cricket team to India after the inclusion of Anantnag lad Parvez Rasool in Indian team, you might be wrong. Yes, they would love to see him score a century, rattle the opponents wickets and devour every batsmen with his flight and guile, but one thing is sure, as appears from the discourse on the social networking sites: most of the Kashmiris would still want India to lose.
When the news of Parvezs entry in Indian team broke, all the roads led to his house in south Kashmirs Bijbehara town. However, his inclusion in the team raised volley of questions in the minds of Kashmiris and split their opinions, with some viewing it as a political gimmick and other arguing that it wont change political situation here.
Gowhar Geelani, a journalist and cricket writer, says Parvezs selection wouldnt have much impact on ground and it was nothing more than a cricketing development.
Parvez inclusion wont change the political situation. Majority of Kashmir would continue to support Pakistan cricket team; and yes, there will be people who would want him to do well. He has earned his place in Indian team thanks to his terrific 2012-13 Ranji season both with bat and ball. He deserves to be there, Geelani told Kashmir Reader, day after Parvez found his place in Indian team.
On Saturday, social networking sites were abuzz after the news break. All were happy and wished Parvez for his cricketing career ahead, but clearly made it a point that it wont persuade them to shift allegiance from Pakistan cricket to Indian cricket or their cricketing stars.
Yasir Wani while debating about Parvezs admission mentioned flamboyant Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi and his loftier sixes.
In comes Parvez Rasool, right arm off spin, bowls to Shahid Afridi? Its a huge six...KASHMIR rejoices and celebrates with fireworks...That we all know. But I wish Parvez Rasool a wonderful cricketing career. I hope and pray that he makes Kashmir proud of him. Hard work pays, Wani posted on his Facebook page.
Another netizen, Samreen Mushtaq wrote on her Twitter page, A small town boy getting into the Indian squad even if against minnows is a big thing. Good as an individual feat. But no good for Kashmir!
However, many others batted for his talent for being to this kind of pedestal. Javid Trali posted on his Facebook page that Parvezs inclusion in the Indian team, for upcoming Zimbabwe tour, strongly reflects the fact that Kashmiri youth do not lag behind in any sphere of life, have will and courage to challenge the odds of world.
If encouraged and shown proper way can do wonders. Parvez's talent, hard work and perseverance got recognized early which has started showing results. Kashmir is joyful, indeed, saluting his grit. Mubarak, Trali said.