Rasikh Salam
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17-year-old Kashmiri pacer Rasikh Salam made his IPL debut for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2019 against Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede Stadium to become only the second player from Jammu and Kashmir to play in the Indian Premier League. In December 2018, he was bought by the Mumbai Indians in the player auction for the 2019 Indian Premier League for Rs 20 lakh.

However, everything is not well for Rasikh Salam at present. He has been found guilty of the age fraud. His details in the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association and in the Jammu and Kashmir school records aren’t matching.

Age fraud is a perennial phenomenon facing junior cricket. In 2016, former India captain Rahul Dravid had acknowledged age-fudging as a major problem in Indian cricket. And also, he welcomed BCCI decision to allow a player to compete in the U-19 World Cup only once.

South Kashmir boy Rasikh Salam Dar has become second-ever cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to play in IPL. He was included by Mumbai Indians. The first player from Jammu and Kashmir to play in the IPL was Parvez Rasool. He represented two IPL teams, Pune Warriors India and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Age isn’t matching in the records:

As per documents accessed by IANS, the board has made it clear to the JKCA that the age Rasikh has provided to the cricket association doesn’t match that of the board’s record (as registered during his Class 10 examination).

Rasikh was on June 9 named in the India U-19 team for the one-day Tri-series in England that will feature the hosts and Bangladesh. However, the recent reports would see him stay away from the team.

 “We have two administrators now And, if such an episode happens despite their presence, it is indeed sad. They should be keeping a tab to ensure that players don’t fudge their age. It is a sin and also deprives other youngsters of the opportunity to shine,” JKCA member said to IANS.

Rasikh Salam
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“Players who are found (after a proper enquiry) to have submitted false/tampered birth certificates will be banned from all BCCI tournaments for two seasons. BCCI may also initiate criminal action against the concerned player. And/or any other person responsible for submitting false/tampered birth certificates,” the minutes of the May 18 meeting read.

Rasikh is a young pacer from Kulgam district who came into the cricketing scene after playing in the district level events. He then went on to play for Jammu and Kashmir senior teams during the 2018-19 season.