Team India discard Praveen Kumar made his foray into politics by joining the ruling Samajwadi Party ahead of the Uttar Pradesh polls, and might contest from Meerut in 2017.
The 29-year old medium pacer, who made his debut for the national side in 2007, has not played a game for the Men in Blue in more than four years, having last represented them in a T20I in March 2012.
Speaking to reporters after his association with the ruling party, he said that he was pleased by the work of Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, who is also the president of the Samajwadi Party, and added that he would do whatever is asked of him: "I have met CM and decided to join the party. I will do whatever is possible for the party”.
The Gujarat Lions pacer also stated that Akhilesh Yadav had done a lot for sports in the state, and has helped sportspersons by providing the required infrastructure. He also said that new cricket stadiums are under construction in Lucknow and Saifai. Kumar also added that the Chief Minister had done a commendable job for the overall development of Uttar Pradesh.
Praveen Kumar was last seen in action during the Indian Premier League this year, when he showed shades of his former self with the new ball, opening the bowling with Dhawal Kulkarni for Gujarat Lions, one of the two new franchises introduced this season.
He played six Tests and 68 ODIs for India, before falling out of favour due to injuries, lack of form and disciplinary issues. In 16 IPL matches this season, he picked up nine wickets.
The Meerut-born cricketer is one of the rare instances when an active cricketer has had a taste of politics. Mohammad Kaif joined Congress in Uttar Pradesh, and contested from the Phulpur constituency in the Lok sabha elections in 2014.
Also read: Praveen Kumar eyes a comeback to the Indian national side.
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