Sharik Yasir (15), a young cricketer from Gopalpora, Kulgam, and Farhat Ahmad (30) from Khiram, Anantnag, have secured their places in the second season of the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL).
Sharik, the youngest player in the league, returns for his second consecutive year after being selected by Bangalore Striker in the inaugural season. This year, he joins Srinagar Ke Veer, while Farhat will represent Chennai Singhams.
The duo secured bids worth Rs 3 lakh each in an auction that saw 350 players selected from a pool of 30 lakh registrants.
Sharik said that he has been passionate about cricket ever since he could pick up a bat. He expressed gratitude to the ISPL authorities for giving him another opportunity.
“I had a dream of playing in a big league, and now, with ISPL, I am inching closer to my goal. Throughout this journey, my family and teachers have been incredibly supportive,” he said.
Sharik said that he couldn’t make it to the playing eleven last season, but he is hopeful of getting a chance this time.
“I will make my village proud and showcase my talent to the Srinagar ke Veer in this league,” he added.
Six teams built their squads, and out of the 350 players in the auction, 96 were chosen by the respective teams.
Farhat told Rising Kashmir that it’s a proud moment to get a bid, especially when there were so many in the race.
He said that this season he is hopeful of getting more chances to play in the starting eleven and doing his best to help his team win. He added that it is a valuable learning process, where players have the opportunity to be coached by the best in the business to improve their game.
