Srinagar, Oct 01 (KNS): BCCI president Mithun Manhas has called for strengthening cricket infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir, saying the absence of adequate facilities remains a hurdle to hosting more high-level and international matches in the Union Territory.

Manhas said it had been nearly four decades since a cricket match of the level recently held in J&K, and expressed hope that more such games would be played in the region.

“I would like to see more matches here. It has been four decades since we had a match at this level,” he said.

Asked about the possibility of T20 and other major matches being hosted in J&K, Manhas said the basic infrastructure required for such games was yet to be developed.

“It is important to have basic infrastructure which has not been built yet,” he said, adding that the new JKCA body was expected to work towards developing a stadium.

He said the responsibility for creating venues rested with the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association and suggested that cricket infrastructure should be developed across different parts of the Union Territory rather than being concentrated at one location.

“Not only here, but also in Jammu, Kashmir Valley and Rajouri-Poonch, they should definitely be given grounds in their jurisdiction. Both Jammu and Kashmir should have stadiums,” he said.

Manhas said the BCCI would continue to support JKCA in developing cricket in the region and creating conditions for hosting matches on a larger scale.

His comments came against the backdrop of Jammu and Kashmir’s recent rise in domestic cricket, including its Ranji Trophy title, which he attributed to the development and exposure provided to players.

“We already had the talent.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelWe just needed to give it a direction,” he said.

Referring to the ongoing Irani Cup, Manhas said Jammu and Kashmir had put up a good performance while the Rest of India side had staged a comeback. He said the following day’s session would be important in determining the course of the match.

Manhas also referred to the period between June 2021 and 2025, when he said the BCCI worked closely with J&K cricket. He credited former BCCI secretary Jay Shah with supporting the cricket administration in the region and recalled Shah’s visit to J&K after 67 years.

“He saw everything in detail and gave all his support to the sub-committee,” Manhas said.

He said the support had helped provide greater opportunities to young players, who had subsequently produced results on the domestic circuit.

Manhas cited the selection of Baramulla-born pacer Auqib Nabi as an example of the opportunities available to players from J&K.

“It proves that you can be from anywhere,” he said, describing Nabi’s journey as an inspiring one.

He said several other players in the region were yet to receive wider recognition and urged them to continue working on their game.

“There are some players who have not come to the forefront yet, but their story is similar. Keep working hard,” he said.

Manhas said his message was applicable to young people across Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.

“If you are talented, hardworking and have passion, then you should definitely bring it to the country,” he said.

He also said the present JKCA body was working on player-related issues and hoped it would continue its engagement with the BCCI.(KNS)