Jammu and Kashmir will see India playing Soon, BCCI is helping massively: Majid Dar

The picturesque Jammu and Kashmir is the heartthrob of travel-loving people for its mesmerizing terrain and natural beauty.

But the love of the nation, cricket, has been gaining pace in the last few years. Jammu and Kashmir has grown in statures in the past decade or so and bigger things are expected in coming years.

In the vast valley of Kashmir, cricket is abundant across ages. If one takes the magnificent route of Banihal to Srinagar, youngsters playing cricket on fields across the road is a common sight.

Also, the capital city of Srinagar has two stadiums, one is the Bakshi Stadium and another is Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium, which is associated with the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA).

The JKCA is currently run by a committee set by BCCI. Majid Dar, the current enforcer at JKCA, shed light on the ongoing management by the Board. The association has been under BCCI's control for the past seven years due to unresolved internal issues and litigations. And Dar, while speaking exclusively to MyKhel, says he dreams of hosting India in Kashmir, which shall complete his life.

The Sher-e-Kashmir stadium has historical significance, having hosted two ODIs in 1984, featuring legendary players like Vivian Richards, Sunil Gavaskar, and Kapil Dev. Dar is optimistic that with upgrades to meet ICC standards, the stadium will once again host international matches, fulfilling the aspirations of local cricket enthusiasts.

"That day I will say I am complete when I see that the Indian team is playing in our ground. My life will be fulfilled. It is a dream of every cricketer to have our international stars playing on our ground. But I can tell you one thing, I am very sure that one day when India will play here. The only thing is that we have to make it according to the ICC guidelines, then matches will take place. Hopefully, Jammu and Kashmir will see India soon," Dar said.

"Once a proper association is formed, we will get funding. Right now this is a day to day affair, what is going on, but we, but BCCI is supporting us very much. They are giving all the basic facilities and support, money wise, everything wise," he continued.

Dar, who is a former first-class cricketer, also hailed people's passion for the game. The current stars of Jammu and Kashmir, like Rasikh Salam Dar, Yudhvir Charak, Abdul Samad and Umran Malik have national recognition due to IPL, and Dar noted that many players hail from rural backgrounds, highlighting the widespread talent pool. However, lack of infrastructure in rural areas remains a significant barrier. Dar reiterated the need for better facilities and coaching to harness this potential.

"In infrastructure [we lack], we should have proper grounds, we should have more grounds and we should have base, though we are doing our, we are making a practice facilities and everything we have, since last 3 years we have overcome those practice facilities and everything, but still lot is to be done."