Qazigund: A 19-year-old, Majid Yousuf Sheikh, son of a tailor from Panzath hamlet of Qazigund in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, has earned his place in the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL).
Ahmedabad Lions secured the young all-rounder for Rs 3 lakh in the Under-19 category. Majid, the only brother among three sisters, is currently undergoing training at a cricket academy in Delhi. Despite remaining unsold in last year’s ISPL, he continued to work tirelessly to improve his game.
Talking to the news agency Kashmir News Observer, Majid said, “I always believed hard work pays off. Getting selected this year is a huge moment for me. I will give my best. My dream is to wear the Indian jersey one day.”
His father, Mohammad Yousuf Sheikh expressed immense joy over his son’s success. “I always told him that dedication never fails. Today, his perseverance has borne fruit. I pray he continues to rise,” he said.
Aquib, his neighbor, said the young players in the area are facing difficulties due to the lack of sports infrastructure. “We don’t even have a proper cricket ground. The government should develop a good stadium here. There is a lot of talent in our village, but the boys struggle to practise because of poor facilities,” he said.
With his maiden ISPL selection, Majid is now preparing for his debut season.
Pertinently, the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) is India’s tennis-ball cricket league played inside a stadium with a professional setup. The league aims to give street-level cricketers a national platform, offering opportunities, recognition, and financial support. It is designed to showcase raw talent from across the country—(KNO)
