Parvez should play for India only when he deserves it: Omar Abdullah

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said that Parveez Rasool, the promising all-rounder from the state, should play for the Indian cricket team only when the national selectors think he merits a place. "Parvez Rasool should play for Team India when the selectors think he deserves to be there. Don`t destroy everything he`s worked this way," Abdullah wrote on micro-blogging site Twitter. Rasool, who has been the highest run-getter as well as wicket-taker for his home side in the recently concluded Ranji season, dished out an impressive performance by bagging seven wickets for Board President`s XI in a warm-up game against Australia. Rasool`s good performances led to calls from many quarters for his selection in the national team. "It`s insulting to Parvez and his entire life-long effort and it`s insulting to the people of Kashmir who don`t need artificially created icons," the chief minister said.

"Of all the hair brained stupid ideas to now suggest that Parvez Rasool had to be foisted on the Indian Cricket Team is deeply insulting," he added. PTI