ICC hails "real world hero" Joginder Sharma for efforts against COVID-19 pandemic

Joginder, the former India paceman, is currently serving as a Deputy superintendent Of Police.

Former India pacer turned Haryana policeman, Joginder Sharma's journey from "2007 T20 World Cup hero" to the "real world hero" was acknowledged by the International Cricket Council (ICC) this Saturday (March 28) as he was seen in uniform reinforcing the 21-day lockdown that his country is in because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Joginder immortalised himself by delivering the last ball of the inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa where he picked up the wicket of Pakistan veteran Misbah Ul Haq to bag the trophy for Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men. 

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“2007: #T20WorldCup hero. 2020: Real world hero. In his post-cricket career as a policeman, India’s Joginder Sharma is among those doing their bit amid a global health crisis,” the ICC tweeted. 

Joginder never played for India again but that moment had a game-transforming effect on world cricket. He was rewarded with a job with Haryana Police and is currently serving as a Deputy superintendent Of Police.

“I have been a DSP since 2007. This is one of a kind challenge for me as a police officer because of the general fear and I can tell you that I have seen quite a few challenges in my years of service," Indian Express quoted Joginder as saying. 

Joginder has been pretty active over social media also in urging people to practise social distancing and take all other precautionary measures to tackle the deadly outbreak.

“Our duty time starts around 6am and we do patrolling, making people aware, send those who are out for fun to their homes, help those in need of essentials or medical aid and take action against those who try to defy without any good reason," added the man, giving an account of his job routine these days. 

(Inputs from Indian Express)