Yasir Yousuf
Kulgam, Mar 04: A nine-year-old boy from south Kashmir’s Kulgam has caught the attention of former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan, who recently praised him for his skills on the field.
Mumin Liyakat (09) son of Liyakat Ahmad Dar has been practising cricket on cemented turf with a leather ball since a young age, and his dedication to sport.
“Will Surely Keep an eye on him,” tweeted Irfan Pathan after he was impressed with Mumin during the event held at CAP – Cricket Academy of Pathans Jaipur.
A resident of Matibugh area of Yaripora in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district Mumin said that my favorite player is Virat Kohli and Irfan Pathan.
Aspiring to play for India, he told Asia News Observer (ANO) “My family has been very supportive to me and are always encouraging me to play cricket. Apart from studies i am also practicing cricket during free hours in an apple garden on cemented turf.”
His father, Liyakat Ahmad Dar said that he left cricket in 2012 after he got injured in the playfield, now he dreams for his to play for India
He said that his son is one among the three players players from Kashmir who were selected in CAP Jaipur where over 300 players from Jammu and Kashmir were participating, adding that Pathan asked to share Mumin’s video to CAP Jaipur where he went through three months training course.
“My son plays with a leather ball from day one and he has been practicing on cemented turf instead of an ordinary turf.” He further said that the ball on cemented turf comes with more speed and it gives batsman less time to react.
He added that talented youth of Kashmir has the power to build a nation, so government must give them an opportunity to showcase their talent on National as well as International level.
