Shikhar Dhawan denies regional bias in Indian cricket selection

Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has denied claims of regional discrimination regarding the selection of players from Jammu and Kashmir for the national team. Speaking at a press conference in Srinagar to announce the second season of the Pro Star Cricket League (PSCL), Dhawan stated that performance is the primary factor in selection and that luck can affect any player, regardless of their origin.

Dhawan noted that players from major cricket hubs like Delhi and Mumbai also face instances where they miss out on opportunities despite deserving them. He praised the growing cricket culture in the region, specifically highlighting the physical strength and talent of local fast bowlers. He also commended Jammu and Kashmir’s historic Ranji Trophy title win.

The PSCL Season 2 is scheduled to begin in Srinagar in the first week of March next year, with a finale in Dehradun. The tournament aims to identify and nurture emerging talent. Aakash Chopra, the league's commissioner, emphasized that players can prove themselves through various platforms such as the IPL, Ranji Trophy, and Duleep Trophy.