Nepal national women’s cricket team captain Rubina Chhetri was initially unenthusiastic about joining Chief Minister’s T20 premier league here due to ‘fear factor’ but after spending time with local players she has developed a desire to play in Kashmir as well.
Chhetri is among a dozen international women cricketers from Nepal and Bangladesh who are taking part in the first such tournament in Jammu and Kashmir, jointly organised by Jammu and Kashmir police and state Sports Council.
“When I got an invitation for this league, I was scared to come here (because of militancy). After overcoming my fear, I feel I have made a right choice and I am enjoying my game. I wish I could visit Kashmir as well,” Chhetri said.
Besides the international women cricketers, 70 players from 15 different states of the country and 45 state players, including a half from Kashmir, are taking part in the tournament, Organising secretary and former Ranji Trophy player Rajesh Gill said.
“We have mixed the players and formed eight teams with vice-captain and coach of each team being from the state as part of our efforts to provide an opportunity to the local girls to interact with national and international players to boost their morale,” Gill, who is also a member of state Sports Council, said.
He said this was the first time in the history of women cricket in the state that international players are taking part in a tournament and “we hope their presence will ensure proper exposure and boost the confidence of our players”.
Chhetri said violence was the first thing which struck her mind on seeing the invitation for women’s T20 tournament in Jammu and Kashmir.
“I came to know that Jammu and Kashmir are different regions and violence is restricted to Kashmir region. After meeting the girls from Kashmir and coming to know about its scenic splendour, I am looking for the day when I visit that part too for a game of cricket,” she said.
She said she has been to different states of India including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Haryana and this was her first visit to Jammu and Kashmir.
