IPL 2018: Former J&K security guard signs up with KXIP

Give him 12 to 15 deliveries and Dar will tilt the game in his team's favor, says J&K coach Abdul Qayoom.

Manzoor Ahmad Dar | Facebook

Jammu and Kashmir hitman –Manzoor Ahmad Dar took social media  by storm when he was drafted into an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise on the second day of the IPL Auction 2018 in Bengaluru on Sunday. Earlier, there was nobody who recognized Manzoor as a cricket but Sunday’s  deal with King XI Punjab at Rs 20 lakhs brought him into limelight.

We can’t define him in a single world as he is a weightlifter, kabbadi player, wood artist and a security guard –only second player from Jammu and Kashmir and third in the state to make it to the worthwhile Indian T20 league for upcoming 11th edition of the tournament.

A T20 specialist –Manzoor, who is capable of hitting big sixes over the fence with ease, comes from a humble background so this deal with KXIP is a jackpot for the cricketer, who was a drop out from school in Srinagar. Family responsibilities then forcerd Manzoor to take up a private jon as a security guard.

Although, Rs 20 Lakh such small amount in the cash-rich T20 league, but this amount is mattered to Manzoor, who made his debut for the Jammu and Kashmir team in the Vijay Hazare Trophy last year.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Manzoor Ahmad Dar said, “Today is the biggest day of my life. It is difficult to translate my happiness in words”.

The 24-year-old, who belongs to a resident of Suganpora Ganastan, a small village in north Kashmir’s Sumbal town, has to do odd jobs usually to help the family in living, but he always remained connected with the game as Cricket was his passion and want to realize his dreams.

He further added, “Only I know how much I have struggled to get into the state (cricket) team. All my life, I have worked hard and today my hard work has come to fruition.”

During his job as a security guard at a Srinagar automobile showroom, which was around 10 kilometers from the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium, many times he would not even have money for the bus fare, and he would pedal down to the stadium and back for the practice.

Dar’s journey has been definitely an inspiring against poverty and prejudice. He signed off by saying, “I was first getting just Rs 2,800 per month. It was then increased to 3000 rupees. What is important for me is not the money that IPL would fetch me. The important thing is that it is the fruit of my struggle.”

He also thanked the Kings XI Punjab for showing faith in him on Twitter, “Thank you to the @lionsdenkxip for providing me opportunity to Show the world what I am. I’m extremely excited to Join the #PunjabiBoys Cant wait.”

 

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 29 Jan, 2018

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