10 years ago Imran Sheikh helped india win the world cup by hitting a half century for the deaf and mute cricket. Three years back he was promoted as the captain of indian team because of his brilliant performance.
But life has moved on a wrong path for this 30 year old cricket star, who is forced to sell sell ‘moong kachori’ on the streets in vadodara at old padra road. He said that “Cricket is my passion and I want to keep playing”. His financial condition is forcing him to sell moong kachori so he can help his family support. He has started this road side stall with the help of his wide roza to add up extra income to his family. I also got a temporary job in Gujarat Refinery, thanks to my coach Nitendra Singh,” Imran told TOI in sign language.
Imran started playing cricket when he was just 15 years old. He is six foot tall, “I used to watch matches on television and later began playing at Bhutadizampa ground. But my coach Nitendra Singh mentored me for higher level of cricket. I got into Gujarat team and then in Indian team,” Imran recalled.
Imran has scored 60 against New Zealand, 70 against Nepal and in 2005 world cup semi-finals he scored a match-winning 62 against Pakistan. He also took 3 crucial wickets and scored 40 runs to help India beat England and win the world cup.
Imran last captained india in April in the Asia Cup T20 tournament this year. Years ago he was not picked up by BCA for u-19 tournament as he is deaf and mute. Nitendra also known as Munna who keep helping Imran said this .
Nitendra said that Imran wants to quit cricket for good. “It will be really very unfortunate if he takes this step”.
Imran’s wife said that “We recently moved out of our family house. Barodians have been very supportive and queuing up to eat at our stall, We would be glad if the government helps us get a permanent place for our eatery,”
