Players Discriminated Against by Selectors? Dhawan Speaks Out

Shikhar Dhawan speaks about J&K players

Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has dismissed claims that players from Jammu and Kashmir face regional discrimination when it comes to India selection.

The question came up during Shikhar Dhawan’s press conference in Srinagar, where he was asked why J&K players have historically had fewer opportunities to make the national team.

Shikhar Dhawan was clear in his response. He said there is no regional bias in selection and that performances remain the biggest factor.

For Dhawan, a player who consistently performs will eventually get noticed. Despite, he also admitted that luck can sometimes influence a player’s career.

He pointed out that this is not specific to J&K. Players from established cricket centres such as Delhi and Mumbai can also miss out despite deserving an opportunity.

The former opener also praised the growing cricket culture in Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the region’s strong fast bowling talent and said increased exposure to competitive cricket can help young players develop further.

J&K’s recent Ranji Trophy success has also put the region’s cricket talent in the spotlight.

Dhawan praised the team’s historic title win and stressed that the next step for its players is to maintain that level of performance.

Aakash Chopra, who has been named commissioner of the Pro Star Cricket League, also spoke about the intense competition in Indian cricket.

According to Chopra, players have several routes to prove themselves, including the IPL, Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy.

He said the focus should remain on hard work and consistent performances rather than where a player comes from.

Auqib Nabi was also highlighted as an example of a J&K cricketer who has received a major opportunity after his performances.

Nabi earned a place in India’s Test squad after a strong Ranji Trophy season in which J&K won their maiden title.

The comments came during the announcement of PSCL Season 2. The tournament is scheduled to begin in Srinagar in the first week of March 2027 before the final in Dehradun, with Dhawan and Parvez Rasool named as Iconic Players.

For J&K’s emerging cricketers, Dhawan’s message is simple the strongest answer to selection doubts is performance.