Jammu phase ends, spotlight turns to Kashmir

Srinagar, May 8: After drawing an enthusiastic response in Jammu, the Senior T20 selection trials of the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) have now shifted to Kashmir, where the next phase of the process began on Friday with fitness assessments for aspiring cricketers.

According to JKCA officials, the Jammu leg of the trials witnessed participation from more than 100 cricketers. Following the mandatory fitness tests, the pool was reduced to 65 players, then 23, and then finally top performers were shortlisted after open-net assessments during the Jammu phase.

As per the JKCA schedule, the Kashmir leg commenced on May 8 with fitness testing and will continue on Sunday as well. Officials said players clearing the fitness benchmarks will subsequently appear in the cricket trials and open-net sessions.

With the trials open to all and no upper age limit in place, the Kashmir phase is expected to witness significant participation from aspiring cricketers from different districts of the Valley. However, fitness remains the first and most crucial filter in the selection process, officials said.

Meanwhile, the ongoing exercise has also highlighted a two-tier structure in the selection system. JKCA officials stated that players who have already represented J&K in the Ranji Trophy are exempted from the trial process and will be considered directly during final team selection. In contrast, fresh aspirants and players who have moved beyond the U-23 category are required to undergo the complete process, including fitness tests and skill-based assessments.

Officials said performances from both Jammu and Kashmir phases, along with evaluations of established players, will help selectors prepare the final pool for the Senior T20 squad. Trial matches are also expected before the final team is announced.

With the Kashmir leg now underway after a strong turnout in Jammu, attention will remain on the number of participants and the level of competition emerging from the Valley trials.