5 Political leaders who shared a passion for cricket

In India, cricket and politics have a long and historical relationship. It's an eternal and inseparable partnership that recalls husband and wife vows. Every region of India is completely enthralled with the game of cricket; it enthralls everyone, even the nation's leaders who make the majority of the decisions. There is no story quite like the one about the romance between politicians and cricket.

India's two greatest passions, politics and cricket, seem to be twisted by faith and placed in each other's paths. They also always find common ground. Political ties bind cricket associations from east to west and north to south. Politicians from all political parties have led cricket issues and managed several cricket boards, including Amit Shah and Sharad Pawar.

Let's look at the five political leaders who shared a passion for cricket:

5. NKP Salve

Narendra Kumar Prasadrao Salve aka NKP Salve was a impeccable man who wore multiple hats. Apart from being a minister with the Congress Party, he played an instrumental role in bringing the Cricket World Cup to India despite all the odds. When India made the final, the then BCCI president NKP Salve was invited to watch it at the Lord's where he asked the England Cricket Board (ECB) officials for some extra passes for other BCCI officials but much to his surprise, his request was denied.

Salve was hurt but he used this as a great opportunity that changed the World Cricket. The World Cup shifted from England for the first time and it is Mr Salve who owes all the credits for it.