23-year-old Rasool was chosen to play for India 'A' side against England in a warm up match here on January 6, becoming the first player from the state to make it to the national side.

"Like any other cricketer, I want to play for the country," an excited Rasool said after the selection.

"Bad dream" -- that is his description of the incident in October 2009 when Bangaluru Police detained him for several hours after his kit-bag allegedly showed traces of explosives. He was let off without any charges.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had said that Rasool was made a scapegoat and was detained mistakenly.

"There was some defect in the (bag-scanning) machine (at Chinnaswamy stadium in Bangalore) and Parvez was made a scapegoat and detained mistakenly," Abdullah had said.

Rasool was rewarded for his performance in the domestic circuit this season, having amassed 594 runs and picked up 33 wickets from his seven matches.

J&K gave a much better account of themselves during the current Ranji season compiling 15 points from eight games, but it was not enough to ensure them a place in the knock-outs.

The team won two matches, drew three and lost three to be placed at number seven in the Group C.

However, Rasool said his selection in the 'A' team will open up avenues for other players in the state.

"It is a huge boost, not only for me but for the entire team. It adds to the value of J&K cricketers. They will be looked in for IPL," said Rasool.

The South Kashmir based cricketer, though, insisted that it was always India first and IPL later for him.

"Like any other cricketer I also want to play for the country. Selection in India A means lot more than playing in the IPL. But yes, given an opportunity I will definitely look to be a part of the tournament," said the cricketer.

Asked what it means to be playing along side Sreesanth and Murali Vijay, who have represented India in the past, Rasool said "it is going to be a great experience".

"This is the time when you get an opportunity to see how big players prepare, how they follow the game. It will obviously help me a lot going forward," he said.

Asked which all-rounder does he idolises, Rasool didn't had a clear choice but he mentioned that when it comes to batting, only one name strikes him and that is of Sachin Tendulkar, while it was England's Graeme Swann when it came to spinning the ball.

Rasool credited former Indian captain Bishan Singh Bedi for helping him shape up his dream.

"Bedi sir has a huge role in my success. Initially, I was a batsman who could bowl part-time off-breaks but it was at his (Bedi) insistence that I began to concentrate more on developing my bowling skills," Rasool said.

According to Rasool, it was the legendary left-arm spinner's tips on subtle variations that has helped him improve as an off-spinner.

"When someone of Bishan Bedi's stature tells you that "you are the best off-spinner in the state", you feel that you are special. Then you start working extra hard to repay the faith he has shown. He gave me tips about how to use variations in the flight. How to use the loop effectively and decide on field placings according to batsman's strength."

Bedi, who has been coaching the J&K team since last season has not only been credited with the skill development of the side but has also been hailed for changing the mindset of the players.