Raja Saleem: From Cricketer to Coach, inspiring next generation with grit and passion

From his early days of playing at the sports stadium in Bandipora to representing his state at the national level, Saleem had shown immense promise as a cricketer.

However, fate had different plans, and a back injury forced him to give up his dream of playing international cricket.

He did not let this setback break his spirit, and he decided to help young and budding cricketers achieve their dreams. He opened a cricket academy to train these youngsters, and his efforts have been paying off.

Saleem is now known as a coach who not only imparts cricketing skills but also instills values such as perseverance, sportsmanship, and teamwork in his students. One of Saleem's biggest challenges was the long and harsh winters in the valley, which often kept budding cricketers away from the game.

He saw this as an opportunity to make a difference and came up with an innovative idea of creating an indoor pitch inside a school building he owns.

This indoor pitch allows young players to practice and stay in touch with the game throughout the year, helping them perform better in important matches.

Saleem's passion for the game is contagious, and even at the age of forty, he still plays like a young boy with extraordinary batting skills. He has become an inspiration for many young cricketers in the district, who look up to him as a role model.

Saleem's role in shaping the future of cricket in the district is commendable, and his story is a testament to the fact that one can achieve anything with perseverance, determination, and love for the game.

"My journey to become a cricketer started back in 1996 at the sports stadium in Bandipora, where I first fell in love with the game. From there, my passion for cricket led me to Delhi, where I began my national career," he said.

"I played with some of the best players in the game, competing in Ranji and County cricket leagues, and even represented UAE in the 'A' League," Saleem added.

"Those were some of the most memorable and challenging moments of my life, but they have also helped shape me into the person and coach I am today," reminisced Saleem with a twinkle in his eye.

Not content with simply playing for himself, Saleem said that he also opened up a cricket academy to impart his wealth of knowledge and experience to the budding cricketers, providing them with the opportunity to elevate their game and reach new heights of success.