Shikhar Dhawan rejects claims of bias against Jammu-Kashmir cricketers, credits luck too

Asked whether Jammu-Kashmir players face discrimination in national selection, Shikhar Dhawan denied it outright while admitting luck can sometimes play a part.

At a press conference held in Srinagar, Shikhar Dhawan was asked whether Jammu-Kashmir cricketers get fewer opportunities in the national team because of bias, and he flatly rejected the suggestion.

What Dhawan said about selection
Responding to reporters, Dhawan said, "No, there is absolutely no discrimination." He explained that a player's performance is what ultimately defines them, and that no one can keep a player out of the side if they are playing well enough. At the same time, he acknowledged that luck can sometimes influence who gets picked. According to him, this isn't an issue unique to Jammu-Kashmir, similar situations have played out with players from Delhi and Mumbai too, where a deserving cricketer missed out and someone else was picked instead. He called it simply a part of the game.

Pro Star Cricket League season two unveiled
The press conference had actually been called to announce the second season of the Pro Star Cricket League. The tournament is scheduled to begin in the first week of March next year, opening in Srinagar with the final to be played in Dehradun. At the event, Dhawan was named the league's "Iconic Player" alongside Jammu-Kashmir cricketer Parvez Rasool.

Rasool and Umran Malik cited as examples
Bringing up Parvez Rasool, who has represented India and played in the IPL, along with pace bowler Umran Malik, Dhawan said both players had been given an excellent platform to showcase their talent. He stressed, however, that the most important thing for any player is to keep performing consistently once they reach that level, since getting a platform alone isn't enough, sustaining that form is the real test.

What this means for you
The story directly touches cricket fans in Jammu-Kashmir and Uttarakhand through the new league, while Dhawan's comments on selection matter to cricket followers across India.

• Across India: Dhawan's remarks push back against the long-running debate over regional bias in national team selection, stating clearly that performance is the real yardstick. For young players worried about being overlooked because of where they come from, this is a reassurance that consistent form will eventually get noticed.
• In Jammu-Kashmir and Uttarakhand: The Pro Star Cricket League's opening match will be held in Srinagar and the final in Dehradun next March, giving fans in both cities a chance to watch prominent players live. Local young cricketers could also get the kind of platform that helped Parvez Rasool and Umran Malik.
• For aspiring players: Dhawan's point that luck plays a role suggests players who miss out on selection should keep performing rather than lose confidence, since another opportunity can come at any time.

Questions & Answers

1. What did Shikhar Dhawan say about the discrimination question?
He clearly stated there is no discrimination against Jammu-Kashmir players, though he admitted luck can play a role in selection.

2. When does the second season of the Pro Star Cricket League start?
It is scheduled to begin in the first week of March next year.

3. Where will the tournament open and where is the final?
It will open in Srinagar and the final will be played in Dehradun.

4. Who was named the league's 'Iconic Player'?
Shikhar Dhawan and Jammu-Kashmir cricketer Parvez Rasool were named the league's Iconic Players.

5. Which players did Dhawan cite as examples?
He mentioned Parvez Rasool and pace bowler Umran Malik, saying both had been given an excellent platform.

https://trendkia.com/en/cricket/chayana-men-bhedabhava-ke-savala-para-shikhar-dhawan-bole-kismata-bhi-nibhati-hai-bhumika-28709
TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.