Mujtaba Yousuf, Anantnag pacer among probables for U-16 team

A 16-year-old fast bowler, Mujtaba Yousuf, from Bijbehara town has been called to attend a month-long camp at the prestigious National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore.
The camp, which is a training ground of probables for the India Under-16 team, will be attended by 21 other budding cricketers from across the country from August 21 onwards.
Mujtaba is the second cricketer to have come into limelight after Parvez Rasool became the first state cricketer to don the ‘blue jersey’. Rasool also hails from Bijbehara town of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
Son of a labourer, Mujtaba is a lanky left arm fast bowler. He has already represented Jammu and Kashmir in a few Under-14 and Under-16 tournaments with brilliant performances that have led to his selection in the Under-16 North Zone team.
At the North Zone-level, Mujataba had claimed eight wickets in just four matches. This has made selectors pick him for the camp at the NCA.
“I am elated and I am working doubly hard now that an opportunity has presented itself. I want to make the most of it,” he said in Bijbehara where he was felicitated by Rasool and other local cricketers for his feat today.
Congratulating Mujtaba, Rasool said it was no mean feat for Mujtaba to be picked up for the camp.
“The fact that he has been working with very meagre resources and finds a place among the best 22 from across the country speaks volumes about the quantum of talent this lad has,” Rasool said.
He said the felicitation ceremony was held to encourage Mujtaba and more importantly other youngsters who have been working hard to make it big.

Selected for NCA camp
Fast bowler Mujtaba Yousuf from Bijbehara town has been called to attend a month-long camp at the prestigious National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru
Son of a labourer, Mujtaba has already represented Jammu and Kashmir in a few Under-14 and Under-16 tournaments