Manzoor Dar — a carpenter by the day and security guard by night and that is exactly what makes his story intriguing. He is the lone Jammu & Kashmir cricketer to get picked in Indian Premier League auctions 2018. It is a big thing for a Kashmiri cricketer to be picked as there is little cricket to be played in the state and no proper facilities are available for cricketers. Yet, the 24-year-old defied all odds to make it into the squad of one of the teams — KXIP.
ALSO READ: Manzoor Dar: Security guard who became the only Kashmiri cricketer in IPL 2018, opens up on his selection (Interview)
So why are we talking about him now?
Well, KXIP are having their regular practice at the Mohali ground. So all the cricketers, including Yuvraj Singh, are present at the camp. Dar’s fans travelled all the way from Kashmir to see their local boy rub shoulders with the big boys of the game. It was a crowd that cheered the player’s every move — be it throwing the ball or trying to hit big in the nets.
The bandh, mobile data being shut off and even our own cancellation couldn’t stop the fans from showing up to watch the practice match.
Of course we had to let them in.
Grateful for such passionate fans. Can’t wait to see them during Vivo @IPL #LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi #KXIP pic.twitter.com/16q1Veiacz— Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) April 3, 2018
The training is already underway…
There is no substitute for hard work
Kings look to be in good form as they push harder each day for the ultimate prize. #LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi #VivoIPL #KXIP #KingsXIPunjab pic.twitter.com/3yTf4YKWDR— Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) April 2, 2018
Meanwhile, Kings XI Punjab has undergone a revamp with Ravichandran Ashwin as their new captain. KXIP has never won the IPL title, however, they made it to the finals in 2014, losing out on the crown by a whisker to KKR.
