Kashmir cricket star Parvez Rasool announces retirement from international stage

October 20, 2025 by News Desk

Parvez Rasool, the all-rounder who made history as the first cricketer from Jammu Kashmir to represent India at the international level, has announced his retirement from international cricket.

The 36-year-old player from Bijbehara in south Kashmir informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about his decision on Saturday, October 19, and made it official on Monday.

Rasool first donned the Indian jersey on June 15, 2014, making his One Day International (ODI) debut against Bangladesh in Dhaka. Three years later, he appeared in a T20 International against England in Kanpur on January 26, 2017. Although his international career comprised just two matches—one ODI and one T20I—his journey from a small town in a conflict-ridden region to the Indian team remains one of the most remarkable stories in Indian cricket.

“When we started playing, not many took Jammu and Kashmir cricket seriously. But we went on to beat some of the big teams and perform well in the Ranji Trophy and other BCCI tournaments. I led the team for a fairly long period, and it gives me immense satisfaction to have contributed a bit to the growth of the game in our state,” Rasool told Sportstar.

Born on February 13, 1989, Rasool rose from humble beginnings to become the face of Jammu and Kashmir cricket. A right-hand batsman and off-spin bowler, he made his first-class debut in 2008 and soon became a key player for the J&K Ranji Trophy team. His breakout season came in 2012–13, when he scored 594 runs and took 33 wickets in seven matches, earning him a place in the India A squad and eventually the senior national team.

Under his leadership, Jammu and Kashmir achieved some of their most memorable victories, including the historic win over Mumbai in the 2014–15 Ranji Trophy. Rasool also played a pivotal role in grooming young cricketers from the Valley and represented several Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises, including Pune Warriors India, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Rasool’s journey, however, was not without challenges. He frequently raised concerns about the lack of cricketing infrastructure and administrative transparency in Jammu and Kashmir. In 2021, he was caught in a controversy after being accused by the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) of retaining a pitch roller—a charge he dismissed as “unfortunate and baseless.” Despite such setbacks, he remained a respected voice advocating reforms in the region’s cricketing structure.

With his retirement from international cricket, Rasool is expected to remain connected with the game through coaching, domestic cricket, and mentoring young players. His rise from Bijbehara’s narrow lanes to the Indian dressing room stands as an enduring symbol of perseverance and possibility for aspiring cricketers from Jammu and Kashmir.

Rasool’s retirement marks the end of an era for cricket in the region, but his legacy as a trailblazer who broke barriers and inspired generations will continue to shape Kashmir’s cricketing journey for years to come.