Mumin Liaqat could soon be a name to reckon with in cricket in India, having already won praise and recognition from India's former Test and ODI fast bowler Irfan Pathan.
Talking to Brighter Kashmir on the sidelines of a rigorous net practice session, nine-year-old Mumin, a resident of Kulgam, said he aspires to play for India as a batter in the long-term.
Mumin is the son of Liaqat Ahmad Dar, who lives in Kulgam's Matibugh Yaripora locality.
"I have been passionate about playing cricket since I was a small child. In December last year, I went to the cricket academy in Jaipur to train for three months. My coaches Ravinder Sir and K K Sir guided and sharpened my skills in the sport. I enjoyed my time there and the facilities were also very good," the cricket prodigy told BK in an exclusive interview.
"Yes, I had the opportunity to also meet Irfan Pathan Sir and take a Master Class from him. He saw me bat for a while and told me that I am a talented player and that I have the potential to represent India in cricket. My favourite shot is the cover drive and my favourite players are Virat Kohli and Irfan Pathan. I am very keen to play for India and will work hard to achieve that goal. My father has been very supportive since I was a small child. I started playing cricket with tennis balls before graduating to leather balls. Cricket keeps me away from bad habits, allows me to be a healthy boy. I believe studies too are important," he added.
It is sheer joy to watch this youngster pad up and walk into the nets to essay a wide range of shots, including the cover drive off the front front, the late cut and going on the backfoot to defend against a rising delivery.
Cricket in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is played under the aegis of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), a registered society. The JKCA fields cricket teams in various age-specific domestic tournaments conducted by the Board of Control for Cricket In India (BCCI) for youngsters, both male and female.
The JKCA is presently run by a three member sub-committee appointed by the BCCI.