SRINAGAR: Two cricketers from Jammu and Kashmir have been chosen by the Red Carpet Delhi franchise in the Indian Veteran Premier League (IVPL) to play with the biggest stars in the league.
Fast bowling all-rounder Omar Alam and right-handed batsman and right-arm fast-medium bowler Samiullah Beigh, who have represented Jammu and Kashmir at the national level, will mix it up with some of the game’s greatest players in the league.
Samiullah has played 23 T20s, 37 List-A games, and 61 First-class matches. He also played for North Zone and attended multiple IPL camps. Meanwhile, Omar Alam has represented JK in the Vijay Hazare and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophies. He is also well-known in the local cricket environment.
Samiullah Beigh, a resident of Buchpora Srinagar, told KNO, “I’m really excited to be a part of the first IVPL league; it’s a prestigious tournament that’s bound to grow. I’ve been playing cricket consistently since retiring from first-class matches to stay in fitness. Facing players like Chris Gayle, Suresh Raina, Sehwag, and Yousuf Pathan will be a great challenge and a lot of pleasure.”
He said, “The franchise got in touch with me after seeing my profile and videos on social media, where I showcased taking wickets against Sehwag, Gambhir, Virat, Shikhar and others. They organised a 3-day fitness camp in Ghaziabad, UP, and handed over a contract to me. I’m grateful to the owners and selectors for having faith in me.”
Beigh mentioned that playing with past legends of the game gives a pleasant feeling. “I’ve already participated in a few IPL teams, such as Deccan Chargers, Mumbai Indians, and Kings Eleven Punjab (though I didn’t get a game), and I’ve played against many of the game’s icons in domestic cricket. However, it would undoubtedly be enjoyable to measure myself against each of them today,” he said.
Talking to KNO, Omar Alam (40), a resident of Babadem, Srinagar, said he has played in several leagues and matches at the local and national levels and has been involved in cricket since he was a child.
”Two players were chosen from a shortlist of six Jammu and Kashmir residents. Imtiyaz Hussain, a Ranji Trophy player, has been my coach and trainer since the beginning. Apart from that, my family has always supported me, which pushes me to improve and reach this stage,” he said.
“We will report to Dehradun by Sunday, and our match is scheduled for February 24,” Alam beamed.
Red Carpet Delhi franchise, the team that Samiullah and Omar have been picked for, will be captained by South African veteran Herschelle Gibbs. Several international stars like Thisara Perera, Richard Levi, Ashley Nurse, are also part of the team.
This 20-20 event is expected to feature a number of international cricket stars, including Chris Gayle, Virender Sehwag, Herschelle Gibbs, Suresh Raina, Imran Tahir, and many more.
The inaugural IVPL tournament is scheduled to take place in the picturesque city of Dehradun on February 23, and the league will be shown live on a number of platforms, including the Eurosport channel, DD Sports, and Fancode. (KNO)
