Moomin Liaqat, Kashmir’s rising cricket prodigy
Highly recommended by ex-India fast bowler Irfan Pathan
Virat Kohli is his hero and the cover drive is his favorite photo
Moomin Liaqat could soon be a name to be reckoned with in cricket in India, having already garnered praise and acclaim from India’s former Test and ODI fast bowler Irfan Pathan.
Speaking to Brighter Kashmir, the nine-year-old Moomin, who lives in Kulgam, on the verge of rigorous net training, said he aspires to play long-term as a batsman for India.
Moomin is the son of Liaqat Ahmad Dar, who lives in Kulgam’s Matibugh Yaripora village.
“I’ve had a passion for cricket since I was a little kid. In December last year I went to Jaipur Cricket Academy to train for three months. My trainers Ravinder Sir and KK Sir have guided and sharpened my skills in the sport. I enjoyed my time there and the facilities were very good too,” the cricket prodigy said in an exclusive interview with BK.
“Yes, I had the opportunity to meet Irfan Pathan Sir as well and take a master class from him. He watched me bat for a while and told me I was a talented player and had the potential to represent India in cricket. Favorite shot is the cover drive and my favorite players are Virat Kohli and Irfan Pathan. I’m very interested in playing for India and will work hard to achieve that goal. My father has been very supportive of me since I was a child. I started playing cricket with tennis balls before moving on to leather balls. Cricket keeps me out of bad habits and allows me to be a healthy boy. I think studies are important too,” he added.
Watching this youngster line up and go into the nets to attempt a wide range of shots including covering drive from the front, late cutting and walking on the backfoot to counter is a sheer delight to defend a rising throw.
Cricket in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is played under the auspices of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), an incorporated society. The JKCA fields cricket teams in various age-specific national tournaments run by the Board of Control for Cricket In India (BCCI) for male and female youth.
The JKCA is currently governed by a three-person sub-committee appointed by the BCCI.
