The Indian Premier League has emerged to be the biggest T20 phenomenon in the world since it’s inception in the year of 2008. However, the lucrative league is not only about the steep quality of cricket and the supreme levels of entertainment.
The BCCI backed tournament has given a platform to numerous young and thirsty cricketers to showcase their skills. For a fact, we have a plethora of names to whom, IPL came as a blessing. Yes, we are about to narrate the story of another one today!
Meet Manzoor Dar, a 24-year-old Kashmiri cricketer, who has always led life the hard way. Dar is the only cricketer for Jammu & Kashmir to have bagged an IPL contract this year and will represent the Kings XI Punjab.
In a total of eight siblings, Manzoor is the eldest and had the duty of making sure all the others made good use of their lives. While Manzoor did everything within his reach to feed them two meals a day, his life took a giant leap when the Preity Zinta owned franchise purchased him for 20 Lakh in the auction.
Things have changed drastically for the Jammu boy ever since but he has not forgotten his roots. Speaking to Hindustan times, Manzoor threw light at the time when he had to work as a watchman to support his family.
If you are thinking that is that, you’re mistaken.
The financial condition of his family was so bad that he couldn’t even afford his own shoes. He also explained how they had to settle for apples as dinner.
“I did not have a pair of shoes. I couldn’t afford. I could have borrowed a pair from my teammates, but my feet are so large. “
He continued,
“My family has faced lot of difficulties. At times we had to sleep without proper food. I am telling you just 10 % of the difficulties we have faced. At one point, we couldn’t afford pen for my sisters.“
Amidst all the hardships, the hunger for cricket never died. Dar worked during nights and played in the morning to fulfil his dream. He even cleared the snow from the Kashmir pitch once for a match to be played! His team had to take revenge for a previous defeat and he helped his team do it style.
However, quite amazingly, Dar is also bent towards completing his education and he gave his class 12th examination this year. Speaking about his favourite shot, the famous ‘Helicopter Shot’ by Dhoni, Manzoor said,
