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

By Suresh

**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