J-K youth extremely talented, need more opportunities & exposure: Former cricketer Ravi Shastri

Jammu, Oct 04: Former Indian head coach and cricketer Ravi Shastri said that youth of J&K possess a lot of talent in the field of sports, and said the opportunities being given to youngsters and legends will benefit them a lot in sports in future.

He was speaking on the sidelines of the first match of Legends League Cricket (LLC) which was being played between Manipal Tigers and Toyam Hyderabad at Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu.

Reflecting on his visit, Shastri recalled his last trip to the Kashmir in 1987 when he played an international match in Srinagar against Australia. He expressed his excitement to return and spoke highly of the cricketing potential in Jammu and Kashmir, saying, “There is a huge talent here, but the youngsters need exposure and opportunities to showcase their skills.” He noted that the ground in Kashmir has developed well but added that consistent opportunities for matches and training are essential for growth.

Shastri said that I feel very much happy to be here. “Since 1987 no international game has been played here. So coming here and watching interest of people means a lot. The opportunity being given to youngsters and legends will surely benefit them a lot in future cricket. Also the crowd is much enthusiastic and I hope more people will come here to enjoy the game,” he said.

When asked about Umran Malik’s absence from the Indian national team, Shastri acknowledged the fierce competition within the squad. He praised Malik’s abilities but emphasized that the young pacer would need to work hard to regain his place. “Umran knows the challenge ahead, but he has the talent to make a comeback,” he said.

Shastri also commented on the stadium’s conditions, stating that while the venue has potential, improvements to the outfield and pitch would make it more suitable for future events. He encouraged the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to come out and witness the matches, emphasizing the importance of learning from senior players. “When I was young, I would watch senior players play, and that inspired me. I urge youngsters to grab every opportunity to play in different formats. There’s a lot of scope now,” he added.

The inaugural match of the Legends League in Jammu between Manipal Tigers and Toyam Hyderabad at Maulana Azad Stadium attracted an enthusiastic crowd, with organizers optimistic about even larger turnouts for the upcoming games. This event provides a unique opportunity for the people of Jammu to enjoy world-class cricket.