List of Cricketers to Become Indian Police Officers as Deepti Sharma joins unique club with Mohammed Siraj

Add as a preferred source on Google

Indian cricketer Deepti Sharma has been appointed as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Uttar Pradesh, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Honoured for her contributions to Indian cricket, Deepti joins an elite list of cricketers who have served in law enforcement.

Here's a look at other cricketers, including Mohammed Siraj and Joginder Sharma, who have taken on police roles.

Deepti Sharma: Achieving Her Childhood Dream

Indian women's cricketer Deepti Sharma's lifelong dream came true when she was officially appointed as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Uttar Pradesh. A key figure in India's silver medal-winning campaign at the 2023 Commonwealth Games, Deepti was recognized by the Uttar Pradesh government for her contributions.

She received a cash reward of Rs 3 crore along with the appointment letter for the prestigious position. Expressing her gratitude, Deepti shared on social media:

"I'm overwhelmed with gratitude as I achieve this milestone! I'd like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my family, whose unwavering support and blessings have been my driving force. I'm also grateful to the Uttar Pradesh Government for this opportunity to serve. As I take on this new role as DSP in the Uttar Pradesh Police, I promise to dedicate myself fully to my duties and serve with integrity."

Deepti’s father and brothers attended the special ceremony in Moradabad where she was officially presented with the Deputy SP uniform. She was also named in the ICC Women's T20I Team of the Year 2024, further highlighting her achievements.

Mohammed Siraj: From Cricketing Glory to Public Service

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj was appointed as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Telangana. His appointment was announced following India's victory in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, where he played a crucial role.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy had earlier confirmed that Siraj would receive a government job and land in recognition of his contributions to Indian cricket. In August 2024, the Telangana state cabinet approved his Group-1 DSP post, and he was later allotted a plot in Hyderabad’s Jubilee Hills.

Joginder Sharma: The Hero of 2007

Joginder Sharma, remembered for his match-winning final over in the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 final against Pakistan, has been serving as a DSP in Haryana Police since 2007. The Haryana government awarded him the post along with a cash reward for his contributions to cricket.

Although he retired from professional cricket in 2023, Joginder Sharma continues his role in law enforcement, serving the community with the same dedication that won India its first T20 World Cup title.

Harbhajan Singh: A Hoax That Stole Headlines

In recent years, a viral rumor claimed that former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh was appointed as a Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Punjab. However, Singh later clarified that the reports were false and the images circulating online were from a movie role he was preparing for.

Despite the misunderstanding, Singh’s name being linked to such a role shows the admiration fans have for cricketers stepping into public service. He had previously declined a DSP offer from the Punjab government in 2002 to focus on his cricket career.