It’s a joyous moment for the cricket frenzy people of Jammu and Kashmir State in itself as Kashmir-born cricketer Mohsin Mushtaq Mattoo has made it to the final selection list of club-level Dubai Zalmi cricket team while participating in the Peshawar Zalmi’s family hunt drive in Dubai.
Earlier, three Kashmir cricketers including Mattoo working in Dubai, had made it to the final selection trials conducted by Peshawar Zalmi.
“I’m happy to announce that Kashmir player Mushtaq has made it to final selection for Dubai Zalmi. We want to stress that all selections for Global Zalmi talent hunt programs are being made purely on merit. The platform is open for everyone,” said Emmad Hameed, Media Manager for Pakistan Super League (PSL), Peshawar Zalmi.
In a bid to give their talent the wings – Mohsin Mushtaq Matoo, Farooq Ahmed Khatana from Srinagar and Hilal Maqbool of north Kashmir’s Sopore [Tarzoo] had participated in the talent hunt drive held in Dubai on October 20.
“Being a part of talent hunt drive from PSL franchise Peshawar Zalmi in Dubai is a matter of pride for me. Our training will undergo under the tutelage of Shahid Afridi, Darren Sammy and coach like Muhammad Akram,” said Mohsin Mushtaq.
Considering it as the biggest opportunity and platform to showcase their talent, over 300 cricketers had participated in the trials at the Dubai ICC Academy.
“There was a tough competition overall. I just focussed on my batting. I had to face some good pacers from Pakistan. They are so deadly bowlers and facing such bowlers is always a challenge,” Mushtaq added.
The trial was held under former skipper of PSL franchise Peshawar Zalmi Shahid Afridi and its head coach Muhammad Akram.
“I’m pretty much excited that I made it to the final trials as a batsman for Dubai Zalmi. It was the great learning curve and experience for me to be the part of Zalmi talent hunt drive. There’s always a next time and I would return with a bang,” said Hilal Maqbool, one of the contenders in Peshawar Zalmi’s family talent hunt drive.
The motto was to select the best talent from the Peshawar Zalmi talent hunting camps to train them in the academies.
“We really appreciate the efforts of Mr. Javed Afridi. It’s an inspirational initiative to provide international level platform for the cricketers who are struggling to showcase their talent because of the lack of the infrastructure. They’re doing a wonderful job on the ground,” said Farooq Ahmad Khatan, who participated as a fast bowler and can bat a bit.
Zalmi owner Javid Afridi in the past had made promises to the cricket fans since the franchise came into existence.
“I am proud to announce Zalmi World Cup, first time ever in the history of Pakistan,
International platform will be provided to showcase talent,” former Pakistan skipper
Shahid Afridi made an announcement on Twitter.
Mattoo is likely feature in the upcoming Club World Cup for Dubai Zalmi. Zalmi Club World Cup is considered a significant move from the PSL franchise.
Zalmi’s CEO Javed Afridi for cricket-at-large in which 10 club level teams will participate from ten different countries.