9-year-old Majid’s turf dream

Srinagar, Jul 21: The white jersey felt a little loose on his tiny frame, the gloves heavier than anything he had worn before. For 9-year-old Majid Gani Wani, this was not just another day of cricket. This was his first real match—on a proper turf, with neutral umpires, selectors watching closely, and cameras zooming in on every shot he played.

Until a week ago, Majid, student of RP school had no idea he would be in his school’s playing XI for the JKCA’s inter-school U-14 tournament. His cricketing world was limited to the Cosco ball games with friends on his lawn or in lanes. Leather ball, turf wicket—these were distant dreams.

Now, standing under the bright sun, pads strapped tight, Majid had only one thought—bat well, no matter what. He might not know much about the JKCA, but he knows how to swing a bat.

When the bowler pitched one short, Majid leaned in, his eyes widening with anticipation. And then came the sound, the sweet, thundering crack of willow meeting leather. The ball sailed high and long, landing beyond the square leg ropes, out of the ground, a six. His teammates roared, and Majid’s smile said it all.

“Playing on a turf with all the cricket gear and selectors watching… I felt I was playing international cricket. I am very happy,” he said later, still glowing with pride.

For Majid, the dream had begun—not in an international stadium but right here, in a school ground that suddenly felt like one.