Qamran Iqbal arrives ahead of schedule, prepared for the Duleep Trophy challenge without the usual last-minute rush.

NEW DELHI: Qamran Iqbal, a promising cricketer from Jammu & Kashmir, is gearing up for the Duleep Trophy after a whirlwind experience during his last competitive match. The 24-year-old, who was part of the Ranji Trophy-winning team, has arrived at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence well ahead of the tournament, allowing him ample time to acclimatize and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. Iqbal is among six players from his state selected for the North Zone squad, which will kick off its campaign against West Zone this Sunday.

Reflecting on his previous trip to Bengaluru, Iqbal recalls the chaos that ensued when he was called up at the last minute for the Ranji Trophy final. On February 23, just a day before the match, he received a call while at home in Srinagar, informing him that he needed to travel nearly 2,800 kilometers to Hubballi due to an injury to opener Shubham Khajuria. With little time to spare, Iqbal embarked on a frantic journey, arriving just an hour before the toss. Despite the travel fatigue, he delivered a remarkable performance, scoring an unbeaten 160 in the second innings, leading Jammu & Kashmir to their first Ranji Trophy title.

"Everything happened suddenly," Iqbal said, reflecting on that pivotal moment. "I left Srinagar that same night and arrived in Hubballi around 8 in the morning on match day. It felt strange to transition from home to playing in a final so quickly." He emphasized the collective effort of his teammates, stating, "It was a dream come true for everyone associated with Jammu and Kashmir cricket." Now, with the Duleep Trophy on the horizon, Iqbal is eager to build on his success. "Winning the Ranji Trophy was just the beginning. I want to achieve much more in my cricket career," he asserted.

Qamran attributes much of his success to the robust support system established by the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association, particularly under the guidance of BCCI president Mithun Manhas. He noted that the association has been instrumental in providing exposure tours and creating a structured training environment. "Mithun sir has played a massive role in developing cricket in Jammu and Kashmir," he explained. "The facilities have improved significantly, and we now have access to various types of pitches for practice." This enhanced infrastructure, coupled with competitive pre-season tournaments, has been crucial in preparing players for the rigors of domestic cricket.

Having started his cricketing journey at a young age, Iqbal's passion for the sport was nurtured by his father, Dr. Iqbal, who introduced him to cricket. "My father took me to the ground for the first time. He wasn't a cricketer himself, but he loved the game," Iqbal reminisced. His journey through the ranks, including a stint with the India Under-19 team, has shaped his aspirations. Although he narrowly missed selection for the 2020 Under-19 World Cup, he values the experience gained during that time. "Being part of the Under-19 setup was a great learning experience," he concluded, looking forward to what lies ahead in his cricketing career.