As he hangs the boots

In a valley where snow-capped peaks often overshadow the hum of stadium cheers, Parvez Rasool emerged as an unforeseen emblem of aspiration and subtle resistance. Originating from the modest town of Bijbehara in southern Kashmir’s Anantnag, Parvez Rasool’s journey from the confined streets of Anantnag to the Indian national cricket team exemplifies not only individual tenacity but also a broader narrative of how sports can transcend the political divides and tensions of the region.

From Bijbehara to the National Arena

Born in 1989, Parvez Rasool was raised in a humble home where cricket served more as an escape than a profession. Similar to numerous youths of his era, he engaged in play on arid fields adjacent to the Jhelum, utilizing improvised equipment and unrolled mats. His father, Ghulam Rasool, had represented Jammu and Kashmir in domestic competitions, and this lineage subtly fostered Parvez’s initial enthusiasm.

Parvez’s prowess was swiftly apparent in local events, where his comprehensive skills, acclaimed off-spin bowling by the esteemed Bishen Singh Bedi, and assured middle-order batting distinguished him. His performances at the local level, especially in the Ranji Trophy for Jammu and Kashmir, were remarkably transforming. During the 2012–13 season, he led the state in both batting and bowling, accumulating over 500 runs and claiming 33 wickets, which ultimately garnered him national recognition.

The Historic Breakthrough

In 2013, Parvez Rasool achieved a historic milestone as the inaugural cricketer from Jammu & Kashmir to be chosen for the Indian national squad. His selection for the Zimbabwe tour was lauded throughout the valley as an exceptional instance of regional pride in a place normally characterized by political instability and ambiguity.
In February 2013, he achieved a remarkable seven-wicket haul against Australia A, removing notable players such as Steven Smith, Matthew Wade, and Ed Cowan, so gaining recognition on the international stage.
Although he did not participate in that specific series, the selection was significant. Upon making his international debut against Bangladesh in 2014, Rasool bore the burden of Kashmiri hopes. The Indian tricolour emblazoned on his jersey represented both an athletic achievement and a multifaceted symbol in a nation where national emblems frequently carry disputed interpretations. Despite Rasool’s decent outing in his inaugural ODI, he regrettably fell out of favour with the selectors.

A Symbol Beyond the Stadium

Parvez Rasool’s career cannot be assessed solely by the runs accumulated or wickets achieved. His ascent transpired during a period of profound socio-political unrest in Kashmir. In this context, his athletic achievements provided an uncommon, non-political source of hope, illustrating that merit, dedication, and concentration could create opportunities even from the periphery.

In interviews, Rasool frequently identifies himself as “a cricketer first,” subtly opposing the notion of being merely a political emblem. yet his presence in the national framework was intrinsically political, challenging preconceptions regarding Kashmir and highlighting the valley’s significant yet neglected ability.

Struggles in the Big League

Notwithstanding the initial potential, Rasool’s international career was constrained. Following his debut, he was unable to secure a permanent position in the Indian team. Sporadic participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL), initially with Pune Warriors India and subsequently with Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad, yielded transient visibility but lacked sustained success.
Critics contend that Rasool’s abilities were not fully utilized; others observe that his bowling technique, which prioritizes precision over deception, found it challenging to stand out in India’s spin-dominant arena. His participation in the IPL dressing rooms with giants such as M.S. Dhoni and Virat Kohli is a significant milestone for Jammu and Kashmir’s cricketing ecosystem, serving as a conduit between Kashmir’s cricketing seclusion and India’s professional circuits.

The Broader Legacy

Rasool’s true legacy may extend beyond mere statistics. He facilitated the acknowledgment of a new generation of Kashmiri cricketers who now perceive national representation as an attainable objective. Players such as Abid Mushtaq, Auqib Nabi, and others from the valley see Rasool as their source of inspiration.
His captaincy of the Jammu and Kashmir Ranji squad coincided with a remarkable period: in 2014, under his leadership, J&K achieved a historic upset by defeating the formidable Mumbai team, a moment that remains one of the most esteemed in the state’s cricketing history.
Rasool was awarded the esteemed Lala Amarnath Award for his exceptional performances as an allrounder throughout the Ranji Trophy seasons of 2013-14 and 2017-18, a significant achievement given the extensive talent pool in India, especially at the local level.

Sport in the Shadow of Politics

The sporting narrative of Kashmir has been intricately intertwined with politics for an extended period. Stadiums have occasionally served as fortified locations, and teenage athletes frequently encounter infrastructural neglect, travel limitations, and psychological obstacles. In this setting, Rasool’s emergence as calm, disciplined, and consistently apolitical represented a subtle counter-narrative of perseverance and self-confidence.
However, his career also illustrates the constraints of personal achievement within a framework where regional participation is marginal. While other states benefit from corporate sponsorship and administrative focus, Jammu & Kashmir’s sports infrastructure remains deficient. Rasool’s narrative is simultaneously uplifting and cautionary, illustrating the potential of genius and the shortcomings of institutions in fostering it.

A Continuing Journey

Parvez Rasool has opted to retire from all formats of the game while simultaneously remaining actively engaged in the advancement of regional cricket and local mentorship. His initiatives to establish cricket academies and mentor young athletes in the valley are gradually transforming the athletic culture of Kashmir. His narrative remains inspirational not as a chronicle of fame, but as a testament to resilience amidst neglect and hardship.

Parvez Rasool is one of the most exceptional players to emerge from Jammu and Kashmir. His statistics are self-evident, whether in batting or bowling. Regrettably, he was excluded from the Jammu and Kashmir team despite his commendable performance. Despite being a significant contributor to the game, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, he did not receive the respect he warranted. He warranted a more commendable farewell.
In a region frequently characterized by strife, Parvez Rasool’s resolute determination exemplifies a unique sort of resistance, prioritizing quality over indignation and desire over isolation. His transition from the dusty fields of Bijbehara to international stadiums transcends a mere sports narrative; it embodies the potential of Kashmir.

Younus Yousuf Ganie, Research Scholar at the Department of History and Culture, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi.