- From Bijbehara to Team India: Parvez Rasool’s Journey Comes Full Circle with Retirement Announcement
Jammu, October 20: Parvez Rasool, the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to represent India, has announced his retirement from all formats of cricket, closing the curtain on a remarkable 17-year-long professional career that shaped the sporting identity of an entire region.
The 36-year-old all-rounder from Bijbehara in South Kashmir made history by breaking into Indian cricket’s highest levels, inspiring generations of young players from the Union Territory to believe that global dreams could begin in the Valley. Over his illustrious career, Rasool became one of the most consistent and respected figures in Indian domestic cricket, with a tally of 352 wickets and 5,648 runs in first-class matches.
His outstanding performances earned him the prestigious Lala Amarnath Award for Best All-Rounder in the Ranji Trophy twice, in 2013–14 and again in 2017–18, underscoring his unmatched contribution to the sport at the national level. Rasool’s breakthrough season came in 2012–13 when he scored 594 runs and claimed 33 wickets, a performance that led to his selection for the Indian national team and a contract with the Indian Premier League’s Pune Warriors. He went on to represent India in both One-Day Internationals and T20 Internationals, etching his name in history as Jammu and Kashmir’s first-ever international cricketer.
Beyond his international milestones, Rasool served as captain of the J&K Ranji team for several years, leading it through one of its most competitive phases. Under his leadership, the team made significant progress in domestic tournaments, often outperforming expectations against stronger state sides. Known for his discipline, composure, and work ethic, Rasool became a role model for young cricketers in the region.
In recent years, he continued to play league cricket overseas, particularly in Sri Lanka, and shifted his focus toward mentoring emerging talents from Jammu and Kashmir. Having completed his BCCI Level-II coaching certification, Rasool has already begun preparing for a career in coaching and development, intending to nurture young talent and elevate the standard of cricket in the Union Territory.
Reflecting on his journey, Rasool shared an emotional message on social media: “This may be the end of one chapter, but not the story. Though I step away from professional cricket, my heart remains on the field, mentoring, guiding, and giving back.” His words resonated with thousands of fans who have followed his journey from the narrow streets of Bijbehara to the international arena.
Rasool’s retirement marks not just the conclusion of a stellar sporting career but the beginning of a new chapter dedicated to cricket development in Jammu and Kashmir. His story continues to serve as a beacon of hope and determination for aspiring players across the region who now have a path paved by one of their own.