'No Discrimination Of Players Based On Region In National Team Selection': Shikhar Dhawan

Selection Fair, But Luck Has Its Role: Dhawan

At the PSCL Season 2 launch today, Shikhar Dhawan addressed the age-old question head-on. When asked if players from Jammu & Kashmir face discrimination in national team selection, his answer was clear:

"No, there is certainly no discrimination. If you perform, no one on earth can keep you out. Sometimes, luck plays its part — and that isn't exclusive to J&K. Whether it's a boy from Delhi or Mumbai, you'll find players who deserved a chance but didn't get it."

On J&K Talent

Dhawan, an Iconic Player of the league alongside Pervez Rasool, praised the region's physical gifts:

"The fast bowlers from here are remarkably strong and gifted. Cricket exposure is expanding there — the more matches they play, the more their experience grows."

He heaped praise on J&K's historic Ranji Trophy win under Paras Dogra, calling it "a massive victory" that resonated nationwide.

The Chopra Echo

League Commissioner Aakash Chopra added his voice to the discussion, noting the competition is fierce but merit always finds a stage:

"If you have genuine talent, Indian cricket will provide it — through the national side, the IPL, the Ranji, or the Duleep. I played just 10 Tests; that can't be blamed on my city. Shikhar played the most because he put in the work."

He also tipped fast bwl Aqib Nabi for the upcoming NZ tour.

PSCL Season 2

The talent-hunting league kicks off in the first week of March next year, starting in Srinagar and culminating in Dehradun.

Source: NDTV Sports