Yusuf Pathan joins TMC, to contest Lok Sabha Elections from Berhampore constituency

Former India cricketer Yusuf Pathan gears up to bat in a different pitch as he joins the political arena, contesting from Berhampore constituency in West Bengal for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections slated for May 2024. Representing the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Pathan's move aligns with the party's strategy as it gears up for a grand inauguration of its 2024 campaign, dubbed 'Jonogorjon Sabha', at Kolkata's iconic Brigade Parade Grounds. The TMC unveiled its line up of 42 candidates during this event, setting the stage for the all-important electoral contest.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and TMC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee headlined the rally, leading the charge for the upcoming elections. The party secretary addressed the rally alongside a massive turnout of six to eight lakh supporters and numerous block-level leaders from various districts who converged at the event. Their presence electrified the atmosphere and laid the groundwork for a spirited upcoming electoral campaign.

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Additionally, former Indian cricketer Kirti Azad, a long-standing member of the TMC, will also be contesting from West Bengal. The 1983 World Cup winning cricketer is set to contest from Bardhaman-Durgapur constituency. Joining the ranks of cricketers aligning with the TMC is former India player Manoj Tiwary, currently serving as MLA in Shibpur, Howrah. The Baroda-born emerges as the latest addition to this cohort, as more cricketers transition into politics under the TMC banner, signalling their aspirations beyond the cricket field.

Yusuf Pathan’s longstanding association with Kolkata

Pathan and his association with Kolkata and West Bengal is deep-rooted, as the ravishing all-rounder had represented IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). During his stint with Kolkata, the franchise also won two championship titles — 2012 and 2014, respectively.

One of his many blazing knocks, on May 24, 2014, etched history as he notched the then second-fastest 50 in IPL, achieving the feat in a breathtaking 15 balls. Pathan's fireworks propelled KKR to a commendable second position in the league table, before eventually clinching the title for the season under Gautam Gambhir's leadership.

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