Shadab Jakati dons a new hat; joins political party in Goa

Left-arm spinner from Goa, Shadab Jakati joined a regional political party in the poll-bund state.

Cricket and politics share a very old bond, cricketers are often seen joining political parties as they enjoy massive fan base and following. Sreesanth was one of the latest crickets to have done so as he fought for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from Thiruvananthapuram but lost to Congress in his debut poll. And more recently, Navjot Singh Sidhu made news after quitting BJP.

Left-arm spinner from Goa, Shadab Jakati joined a regional political party in the poll-bund state. Jakati is one of the rare cricketers from Goa, who have made it big in this game. Jakati expressed his glee over Twitter as he wrote, “I’ve decided to bat, bowl and field for #GoaForward on the political pitch @VijaiSardesai @GoaForwardParty.”

Jakati was also quoted in a report from IANS saying, “Cricket is my life! Now it’s time to take Goa Forward n make politics a gentleman’s game.”

Sources from ‘Goa Forward’ who roped in Jakati from Vasco said that he can stand as a candidate from Dabolim legislative assembly constituency in South Goa. It is although not clear if Jakati will give up on his cricketing career over politics as he is a part of Gujarat Lions.

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”.

The political party is expected to host a function for welcoming their new member on Saturday.