Source - TOI

Till a week ago, he was living in oblivion and took to selling 'moong chaat' in a roadside stall for making a living. But cricketer Imran Sheikh will now rub shoulders with eminent sportspersons during Vadodara Marathon next year. Imran, who led the deaf and mute cricket team to World Cup win in 2005, has been appointed as brand ambassador of the Vadodara Marathon (VM) that will be held on February 7. Sheikh, who was mulling to quit cricket due to financial crisis, was also handed over a cheque of Rs 50,000 on Thursday that is celebrated as International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

TOI had reported about Imran's plight on November 28 and his plans of quitting the game to support his family. "Our frontrunner volunteer team of VM read about it in TOI and came up with the idea of appointing him as brand ambassador of the marathon. Imran is a sportsperson and has struggled hard to achieve success in his life.

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VM celebrates the never-say-die spirit of sportspersons, so we decided to appoint Imran as our brand ambassador.

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said Tejal Amin, chairperson of VM.

Amin and Paresh Shah of Sujal Trust donated Rs 25,000 each to Imran through VM. Imran, who looked very composed, told TOI in sign language that he was very happy that his achievements have finally been recognized. "He is very elated as Barodians have come forward to help us. He loves cricket and wants to continue playing it, but our financial conditions became a hindrance. He is now motivated to keep playing cricket," said Imran's wife who helps him in running the moong chaat stall on O P Road

Captain of the Indian deaf and mute cricket team, Imran, 30 made significant contribution with bat and ball during the world cup. He went on to become skipper of the Gujarat deaf and mute team and is skipper of Indian deaf and mute team for last two years. He led India to victory in the Asia Cup held in Pakistan in April this year.