SRINAGAR: Parvez Rasool, the all-rounder who became the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to represent India in international cricket, 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, October 20, 2025.
Rasool made history on June 15, 2014, when he played his maiden One Day International (ODI) for India against Bangladesh in Dhaka, marking a breakthrough moment for Jammu and Kashmir cricket. Three years later, he featured in a Twenty20 International (T20I) against England in Kanpur on January 26, 2017. Although his international career comprised just two matches—one ODI and one T20I—Rasool’s rise from a conflict-ridden region with limited facilities to the national team remains a landmark achievement in Indian cricket.
“When we started playing, not many took Jammu Kashmir cricket seriously. But we went on to beat some of the big teams and also fare well in the Ranji Trophy and other BCCI-affiliated 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 emerged from humble beginnings in Bijbehara to become the face of cricket in the erstwhile state. A right-hand batsman and off-spin bowler, he made his first-class debut in 2008 and went on to become a mainstay of the Jammu and Kashmir Ranji Trophy team. His breakthrough season came in 2012–13, when he scored 594 runs and took 33 wickets in seven matches, earning him a call-up to the India A squad and eventually the senior Indian team.
Rasool’s consistency in domestic cricket and leadership helped Jammu Kashmir register some of their most significant wins, including their historic victory over Mumbai in the 2014–15 Ranji Trophy. Over the years, he captained the side in multiple formats and played a key role in nurturing young players from the Valley. He also represented several Indian Premier League franchises, including Pune Warriors India, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
His journey, however, was not without challenges. Rasool has often spoken about the lack of cricketing infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir and the need for better facilities and transparent administration. In 2021, he was involved in a public dispute with the Jammu Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) after being accused of holding a pitch roller belonging to the board—a charge he denied as “unfortunate and baseless”. Despite such controversies, Rasool remained a respected voice for reform and fairness in the state’s cricketing setup.
With his retirement from international cricket, Rasool is expected to continue contributing to the sport through domestic cricket, coaching, and mentorship. His journey from the narrow lanes of Bijbehara to the national dressing room stands as an enduring inspiration for young cricketers from Jammu Kashmir, a region that continues to strive for recognition on the national stage.
Rasool’s retirement marks the end of an era for Jammu Kashmir cricket, but his legacy as a trailblazer—who broke barriers and proved that talent can emerge from anywhere—will continue to inspire generations to come.
