Cricketer Shadab Jakati joins political party in Goa

Left-arm spinner Shadab Jakati, who is one of the two cricketers from Goa to have played in the Indian Premier League (IPL), on Saturday joined a regional political outfit in the poll-bound state.

Announcing his decision on Twitter, Jakati said he he plans to bring the ethos of the "gentleman's game" to the field of politics.

"Cricket is my life! Now it's time to take Goa Forward n make politics a gentleman's game," said Jakati, who played under limited overs skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni for the now-banned Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise.

Sources in the new regional political outfit 'Goa Forward', which has signed the Vasco-based Jakati said that the spinner could be fielded as a candidate from the Dabolim legislative assembly constituency in South Goa, which located close to Jakati's home.

It is however, not yet clear whether Jakati will quit playing for his current franchise Gujarat Lions after taking the political plunge.

Speaking to IANS, Goa Forward spokesperson Durgadas Kamat said: "He has been impressed with Goa Forward's model of projecting and promoting young fresh faces as espoused by Fatorda MLA VIjay Sardesai (who is currently a party mentor). He believes Goa Forward will take the youth and Goa forward".

Goa Forward is expected to formally welcome Jakati into its fold at a formal function later on Saturday. The smallest state in India is expected to go to poll in early 2017.

--IANS

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