Indian batter Sarfaraz Khan, overlooked for the recent five-match Test series against England, has delivered a strong message to Mumbai’s cricketing community—urging all players to participate in the historic Kanga League regardless of the fear of failure. Fresh from a standout performance in the tournament, Sarfaraz believes playing in challenging monsoon conditions is a true test of skill and character.
Turning out for Parkophone Cricketers against Islam Gymkhana, Sarfaraz scored 61 runs off 42 deliveries on a pitch he described as difficult, with thick grass on the outfield making boundaries rare. The match, held during Mumbai’s rainy season, saw the 27-year-old relish his time at the crease. “I was so excited about this game that I reached half an hour before reporting time. More than the runs, I enjoyed the opportunity to spend time in the middle,” he told Mid-Day.
Recalling stories from his father and coach, Naushad Khan, Sarfaraz highlighted how cricket great Sunil Gavaskar once played a Kanga League match the same morning he returned from England. He also pointed to Sachin Tendulkar’s early commitment to the competition as proof of its value. “Musheer and I have always taken pride in playing this tournament. If legends like Gavaskar sir and Sachin sir didn’t shy away from it, neither should today’s players,” he said.
Sarfaraz last played in the Kanga League three years ago and was pleased to rediscover his name in the record books for a century scored in 2018. He explained that while returning from Nagpur the night before the match, he and his brother hoped the rain would hold off—and it did, allowing the game to proceed.
Encouraging all Mumbai cricketers to take part, Sarfaraz dismissed the notion that a poor performance could harm a player’s future prospects. “If big players participate, it will inspire young cricketers in the city. The Kanga League is such a tournament that if you can succeed here, you can score runs anywhere in the world,” he concluded.
