Ex-Pakistan Captain Mushtaq Mohammad Wants To Visit Junagadh In Gujarat. Know Why

(MENAFN- Live Mint) Former Pakistani cricket captain Mushtaq Mohammad expressed his wish to visit the place where he was born in India. The 81-year-old was born in Junagadh, Gujarat and moved to Karachi when he was six years old.

Mushtaq visited India twice during his playing career, first in 1961 for a Test tour, then again in 1978 for a Dilip Sardesai benefit match in Ahmedabad .

He intended to visit Junagarh on both occasions. However, his schedule prevented it, and decades later, it still remains an unfulfilled dream.

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Speaking to PTI regarding his wish to visit the place where he was born, Mustaq said,“I would love to go to the place where was I born and grew up in. The nearest I came to visiting Junagadh was when I played the Dilip Sardesai benefit game in Ahmedabad. I could have taken the train to Junagadh but the schedule was so tight. Unfortunately, I could not return after that.”

Notably, Mushtaq informed that he is still connected to his Gujarati roots through language. He understands Gujarati well but struggles to speak it fluently.

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The former cricketer is currently settled in Birmingham. He had earlier wished to attend the wedding of his close friend Bishan Singh Bedi 's daughter; however, he did not receive his visa on time.

On friendship with Bishan Singh Bedi

Mushtaq also spoke about his friend Bedi, who passed away in 2023. The former Pakistan all-rounder still credits Bedi for transforming him into a leg-spinner, especially when no one else supported or believed in his bowling talent.

Expressing gratitude to Bedi, the former Pakistani cricketer told PTI,“Great man... I played for Northamptonshire and Bishan Singh Bedi played for Northamptonshire. We lived together for six years at Northampton. I learned lot from him. He made me a bowler which I wasn't.”

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He further added,“His contribution to Northamptonshire and English cricket is tremendous. He helped me become the bowler that I became. I can't forget those years. Very sad to lose him, bas yaadein rahe jaati hain (all we have are memories).”

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