New Delhi: Proud of seeing Jammu and Kashmir cricket getting noticed after the team’s historic win in the Ranji Trophy opener against Mumbai, Bishan Singh Bedi said that the side boasts of many talented players and singled out Parvez Rasool for a World Cup berth.

“Parvez Rasool, what a player! An off-spinner, who can bat... He is by far the best off-spinner that the country has at the moment and a brilliant cricketer. To me, he should be in the World Cup team,” the legendary spinner said on Friday.

Having coached Jammu and Kashmir for a couple of years from 2011-13, Bedi not only shares an emotional bond with the players, but also feels that the team’s win over Mumbai was no fluke. “They have such good players in their side that even Delhi don’t have. I am not kidding…

“Mind you, the win against Mumbai is no fluke because these boys always had it in them. Their pace battery, their spinners and their batsmen are all worthy of making it big,” Bedi said.

“They have fire in their bellies to perform, but there is no infrastructure. They just have a few T20 clubs. It's like peacock dancing in the jungle and nobody noticing it.

“I have just ignited a fire in them, which was already there,” he added.

Bedi, who signed a three-year deal with the state association back in August 2011, rued the callous approach of the Board in dealing with the players. “What is happening in all the boards including the national board is just the tip of the iceberg.

“This callous approach will not work. This attitude of leaving it for tomorrow has brought the downfall of many an administrative set up and the same applies for Jammu and Kashmir.

“I got to know that the players have not been paid for two years. What to talk of players! I myself have not received my dues of one year, that's why I left them. But I am in constant touch with the players and will be there for them whenever they need me,” Bedi said.

The former India captain also spoke highly of many individuals in the current team and urged the people concerned to have a look at many an India prospect from the valley.

“The problem is that nobody even looks at them. I can just keep recalling the players and the talent comes oozing out. Bowling all-rounder Ram Dayal is a brilliant player from Jammu. He is in the Kapil Dev mould,” Bedi said.

“Shubham Khajuria is a good opener. Ian Dev Singh, another good opening bat and Hardeep Singh are very good batsmen. The administrators are just turning a blind eye to the talent from the valley. They are just sipping hot tea in their cosy offices,” he fumed.

Bedi, though, cautioned the Jammu and Kashmir players from getting complacent and said that sustaining their success is not going to be easy for the giant killers.

“I told the players in my humble way that we are not just participating in competitions, but we are playing to win. They won a match or two in the opening season. Then they just improved. And see what they have done.” (PTI)