SRINAGAR: Mumbai cricketer Sarfaraz Khan, a rising star in the domestic cricket circuit, made headlines when he tied the knot with a Kashmiri girl in a traditional wedding ceremony in a quaint Shopian village. The event, hosted at the bride’s residence, captured the hearts of many, as videos of the joyful celebration went viral on social media on Sunday.
During the festivities, cricket enthusiasts and fans gathered to catch a glimpse of the Delhi Capitals player, showcasing their admiration and support for the talented cricketer. Sarfaraz expressed his profound belief that it was fate itself that led him to marry in the enchanting land of Kashmir.
An aggressive right handed batsman, a part-time spinner, and an occasional wicket-keeper, Sarfaraz Naushad Khan, 26, plays for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy and for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He represented India in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2014 and 2016. He is son of a cricket coach.
“If the Almighty has destined it, I will play for India one day,” he told a local social media person, who reported his wedding. “It was destiny that I married in Kashmir.”
Khan along with his family drove to Pashpora village to marry the local girl. Identified as Romana, the girl has studied radiology and wishes to be a paramedic. It was not immediately known where the two met. Nikkah was performed today but there was no information about the Rukhsati.
Despite his exceptional performances in the domestic cricket arena, Sarfaraz was not included in the national squad for Team India’s tour of the West Indies. His consistent form and remarkable records in the Ranji Trophy campaigns, where he scored an impressive 556 runs in six games with an average of 92.66, did not earn him the coveted call-up.
The disappointment of not being selected for the Test series against the West Indies weighed heavily on Sarfaraz’s shoulders. Yet, he remained undeterred and took to social media to showcase his resilience and dedication to the sport. In a now-viral Instagram post, Sarfaraz could be seen honing his skills during home practice, a testament to his unyielding commitment to cricket.
Former India batter Aakash Chopra also voiced his support for Sarfaraz, lambasting the selectors for overlooking the prolific batter’s talent. Chopra’s tweet expressed concern over the “sanctity of first-class cricket,” emphasising the importance of acknowledging the hard work and achievements of players like Sarfaraz.
The Kashmiri wedding, coupled with Sarfaraz’s unwavering passion for the game, captivated the cricketing fraternity. Many fans and legendary cricketers, including Sunil Gavaskar, advocated for Sarfaraz’s selection in the Test squad, pointing to his outstanding track record in first-class cricket. With an average of 79.65 and 13 centuries to his name, Sarfaraz had undoubtedly proven his mettle in the longer format of the game.
Reflecting on his journey, Sarfaraz’s rise to cricket stardom began with his consistent performances in domestic cricket, where he consistently amassed runs and showcased his batting prowess. His highest knock of 301in first-class games solidified his position as one of the most promising talents in Indian cricket.
