By Rafiq A Wani

SRINAGAR: Chairman Selection Committee Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association Abdur Rauf termed the 16-member squads that his five member team picked as “balanced” and ones that can do big things on the field.
Rauf, a former first class cricketer who represented J&K in the ‘70s and ‘80s, said that the teams were picked “solely on merit” and “no bias on basis of region and club” was there when players were chosen for the limited overs’ formats.
“I think we have picked a team that is balanced one in both in One-dayers and T-20s and posses top batsmen, bowlers and all-rounders. We have picked players who were suitable for that particular format and some players have been chosen for both squads because of their consistent show in Ranji Trophy,” Rauf told Kashmir Reader.
Rauf maintained that selectors were keen to give a go to the youngsters who have performed well at various age-group levels.
“We have given youngsters like Mehjoor, Ishtiyaq, Khawaja  and Vimarsh chance to show their mettle as we wanted to make sure there is an effective mix of seniors and juniors in the squad,” he said.
Rauf had company of Shahid Iqbal, Iqbal Shah, Tilak Singh and Shiban Lal while picking up the squad after overseeing the trial matches that were held in Jammu over the course of last two weeks.

Reader correspondent