Archive · 6 Sep 2026
Dhawan Rejects Regional Bias in India’s Cricket Team Selection
Shikhar Dhawan was asked whether cricketers from Jammu and Kashmir receive fewer chances because of where they come from.
He said there is no regional discrimination in selecting India’s team.
He explained that players from every place can miss opportunities, and luck can sometimes matter.
Dhawan praised Jammu and Kashmir’s cricket team for winning the Ranji Trophy.
He also said the region has strong and talented young fast bowlers.
A new cricket league will give young players more chances to show their skills.
Aakash Chopra said players should keep working hard and performing well.
He said strong performances can lead to opportunities in domestic cricket, the IPL or the national team.
Shikhar Dhawan said regional discrimination does not influence selection for India’s national cricket team.
Dhawan acknowledged that luck can affect opportunities, regardless of whether players come from Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi or Mumbai.
The Pro Star Cricket League’s second season is scheduled to begin in Srinagar and conclude in Dehradun next March.
Dhawan praised Jammu and Kashmir’s Ranji Trophy title win and highlighted the region’s emerging fast-bowling talent.
Aakash Chopra said players must work hard, perform consistently and use platforms such as domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League.
- Who
- Former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan and league commissioner Aakash Chopra discussed regional representation in cricket selection.
- What
- Dhawan rejected claims that players are discriminated against based on their region, while Chopra emphasized consistent performance.
- When
- The comments were made on Sunday, September 6; the league’s second season is scheduled for the first week of March next year.
- Where
- The press conference was held in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
- Why
- The remarks came during an announcement about the launch of Pro Star Cricket League Season 2 and questions about opportunities for players from Jammu and Kashmir.
Performance and Luck Determine Selection
Regional Discrimination Concerns
Cause of Missed Opportunities
Performance and Luck Determine Selection
Dhawan and Chopra said players can miss opportunities because of competition, luck or insufficiently consistent performances, regardless of where they come from.
Regional Discrimination Concerns
The question raised at the press conference reflected concerns that players from Jammu and Kashmir receive fewer opportunities because of their region.
Path to Recognition
Performance and Luck Determine Selection
Chopra said players can earn opportunities by scoring runs, taking wickets and performing consistently in domestic cricket, the IPL and other competitions.
Regional Discrimination Concerns
Supporters of the concern may argue that players from Jammu and Kashmir need more exposure and opportunities to demonstrate their ability.
- Main speaker
- Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan
- Selection position
- Dhawan said there is no regional discrimination in national-team selection.
- Role of luck
- Dhawan and Aakash Chopra said luck can affect opportunities.
- League
- Pro Star Cricket League Season 2
- League schedule
- The tournament is scheduled to begin in Srinagar and finish in Dehradun in the first week of March next year.
- Iconic players
- Shikhar Dhawan and Pervez Rasool
- Jammu and Kashmir achievement
- Dhawan praised the region’s first Ranji Trophy title win.