While India celebrates cricketing success on the global stage, a former World Cup-winning captain of the Indian deaf cricket team is struggling to make ends meet.
Imran Sheikh, a cricketer from Vadodara who led India’s deaf and mute cricket team to a World Cup victory in 2005, now runs a roadside food stall selling snacks such as moong chaat and corn bhel near Sayajibaug to support himself.
From World Cup glory to daily struggle
Sheikh, now 41, was an all-rounder and captain of the Indian deaf cricket team when the side lifted the World Cup title in 2005. His leadership and performance earned admiration within the deaf cricket community.
However, despite his achievements, Sheikh says recognition and financial stability never followed his success in the sport.
He explained that players in deaf and mute cricket often receive very limited financial support and, in some cases, must cover their own travel and participation expenses.
Coaching career did not provide stability
After retiring from competitive cricket, Sheikh tried to stay connected to the sport by working as a coach.
For nearly a decade, he trained young cricketers at different institutions. However, the coaching roles did not provide enough income to sustain his livelihood.
“I am very passionate about cricket and wanted to mentor young players,” Sheikh said, explaining that despite his experience and achievements, stable coaching opportunities were limited.
With financial pressures mounting, he eventually returned to running a roadside food stall to support himself.
Food stall becomes source of livelihood
Sheikh had earlier experimented with the food stall business more than a decade ago. His snacks quickly gained popularity among local customers, encouraging him to continue the venture.
Today, he manages the small stall near Sayajibaug in Vadodara, serving simple street food items to passers-by.
Despite the challenges, Sheikh says his love for cricket remains strong, and he hopes to continue guiding aspiring players whenever possible.
Call for greater support for differently-abled athletes
Sheikh’s story has once again drawn attention to the struggles faced by athletes in disability sports.
While India has celebrated numerous achievements in mainstream cricket, athletes from specialised categories such as deaf cricket often receive limited recognition, sponsorship and institutional support.
Sports advocates say the achievements of differently-abled athletes deserve greater visibility and structured support so that former players can continue contributing to sports through coaching, mentorship and development programmes.
Sheikh’s journey serves as a reminder that behind many sporting victories lie stories of perseverance that continue long after the applause fades.