Shadab Jakati joins political party in Goa

Left-arm spinner Shadab Jakati has ventured into politics by joining a regional political outfit in the Goa on Saturday ahead of the upcoming polls in the state. He announced his intentions on Twitter and wishes to make politics a gentle man’s game.

“Cricket is my life! Now it’s time to take Goa Forward n make politics a gentleman’s game,” said the former CSK all-rounder, Jakati.

The Vasco-based 35-year-old has joined the new regional political party called ‘Goa Forward.’ He is expected to be fielded as a candidate from the Dabolim legislative assembly constituency in South Goa.

“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 spokesperson Durgadas Kamat said speaking to IANS “.

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. However, his decision to explore the political roads has left people with the question over his cricketing future. It is still unclear whether he will quit the game to continue as a politician.

Jakati has been a key member of the Goa Ranji team but could never take a leap and play for the national team. However, he came out of obscurity after he was picked by the CSK in 2009, making him the only one of the two cricketers from Goa to have played in the Indian Premier League. He is currently a part of the RCB clan and played six matches this season.