Fast bowler Mohammad Siraj, one of the rising stars of the Indian cricket team, has added another feather to his cap. On October 11, Siraj was appointed as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Telangana Police. It was a day of double celebration for the cricketer, as later that evening, he was selected for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand.
Siraj’s contribution to India’s victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup was recognized by the Telangana government, which rewarded him with this prestigious post. He now joins the list of cricketers who have been honored with the DSP post for their outstanding contributions to Indian cricket. Let’s take a look at the three other Indian cricketers who became DSPs before Siraj.
1. Joginder Sharma: The Hero of 2007 T20 World Cup
Joginder Sharma, the fast bowler who became an instant hero in India’s cricketing history, played a key role in India’s victory in the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup. His last-over heroics against Pakistan in the final made him a household name.
In recognition of his stellar performance, the Haryana government awarded him the position of DSP in the Haryana Police. Joginder officially took charge in 2007 and has been serving as a police officer ever since. While he bid farewell to professional cricket in 2023, his legacy as a hero of Indian cricket remains. His transition from cricket to law enforcement has been seamless, and he continues to serve the nation with pride.
2. Harbhajan Singh: The ‘Turbanator’ Turned DSP
Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, fondly known as ‘Bhajji’ or ‘Turbanator,’ was also honored with the post of DSP in Punjab Police. Harbhajan, one of the most successful bowlers in Indian cricket history, played a crucial role in India’s 2011 World Cup-winning campaign.
The Punjab government appointed him as DSP to acknowledge his significant contribution to the sport. Though Harbhajan has now retired from both cricket and his police duties, he remains an influential figure in Indian public life. Harbhajan is currently a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, representing the Aam Aadmi Party.
Throughout his cricket career, Harbhajan played 103 Tests, 236 ODIs, and 28 T20 internationals for India, taking over 700 wickets across all formats. His transition into politics highlights his continued commitment to serving the nation.
3. Harmanpreet Kaur: The Dynamic Leader of Indian Women’s Cricket
Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, has been a trailblazer in every sense. Known for her aggressive batting and leadership skills, Harmanpreet was appointed as DSP by the Punjab Police in recognition of her remarkable achievements in cricket.
Harmanpreet rose to international fame after her unbeaten 171-run innings in the semi-final of the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup against Australia. Since then, she has been an integral part of India’s women’s cricket team and continues to lead by example.
As a DSP, Harmanpreet balances her duties as a police officer with her commitment to the Indian cricket team. Her achievements both on and off the field have made her an inspiration for young athletes across the country.
Mohammad Siraj: The New Addition to the DSP Roster
The latest cricketer to join the DSP ranks is Mohammad Siraj. The 30-year-old fast bowler from Hyderabad was appointed to the post by the Telangana government for his role in India’s T20 World Cup victory in 2024. Siraj, who has been a key player in India’s bowling attack, was awarded the post as a mark of appreciation for his performance on the field.
Siraj’s new role comes with a pay scale ranging from Rs 58,850 to Rs 1,37,050, and he has also been granted 600 square yards of land in Hyderabad by the state government. His appointment as DSP highlights the growing trend of cricketers being honored with government positions for their contribution to Indian sports.
As he steps into this new role, Siraj remains focused on his cricket career, with his next challenge being the Test series against New Zealand.
The Rising Trend of Cricketers in Law Enforcement
The appointment of cricketers as DSPs in India reflects the immense respect and recognition they receive for their contributions to the sport. By transitioning into law enforcement, these athletes continue to serve the nation in new ways, using their discipline, dedication, and leadership skills honed on the field.
As Indian cricket continues to produce world-class talent, we may see more players being honored with such prestigious roles in the future. For now, cricketers like Joginder Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Mohammad Siraj are shining examples of how sports stars can successfully transition into public service, continuing to inspire millions across the country.
