IPL FARMER CRICKETER KAMRAN KHAN BEFORE IPL AFTER IPL

It’s that time of the year when the IPL is everyone’s favourite punching back (sometimes with good reason). But this time, the T20 tournament has garnered some unexpected criticism from the man who lifted the trophy the first time round.


Shane Warne used his Twitter account to highlight the story of Kamran Khan (originally reported by Indian Express) – a player who once played under Warne for the Rajasthan Royals.


Here’s Devendra Pandey in the Indian Express -

..far away from the IPL action, in Nadwa Sarai village in Azamgarh district of Uttar Pradesh, left-arm seamer Kamran Khan harvests his wheat crop, wearing the uniform of his team — Pune Warriors.

With the Pune franchise not requiring his services this season, the 21-year-old was sent home, after being paid Rs 10 lakh. Kamran, who made a name for himself as the Rajasthan Royals’ mystery pick in 2009, now fears that he may soon be forgotten.

Not so long ago, Kamran was hailed as the “next big thing” by none other than Shane Warne, the then captain of Rajasthan Royals. That was before the on-field umpires reported him for suspect action during a match against the Chennai Super Kings in 2009, just a few days after he marked his presence on the field with a tremendous ability to generate speed.

While the Royals retained him the next year, he was picked by the Pune Warriors in their maiden season in 2011. He played only one match then, and none in 2012.

“That’s when the taunts began,” says Kamran. From being invited as chief guest to every event in his village, the cricketer has now become an easy target.


And here’s what Warne had to say about the young pace bowler -

“Found it bizarre that Kamran is working on a farm and not playing IPL. To me a waste of talent, hope your ok buddy.. The Essence of the IPL was about helping young Indian talent & mixing them with all the International players & breaking down barriers....Along with international players mixing together.. All that equals a quality, fun product for the fans.. Sport is meant to be fun not a job If everyone (BCCI & others) are making money in the IPL then so should the players, I think a few of you are missing the point I am making.”

The spin legend's grouse apparently hasn't gone down well in IPL circles. Royal Challengers Bangalore Director Siddhartha Mallya tweeted this in response to Warne - "I'm sorry but what point are u making?!!!"