India cricketers Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep appointed as DSPs under sports quota

Two India pace bowlers, Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep, will receive direct police appointments through Bihar's sports quota scheme at a special ceremony on Thursday, July 24, 2026, at the Energy Auditorium in Patna. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary will hand over the appointment letters during the event. The recognition marks a significant honour for both players, who hail from Bihar but forged their early cricket careers with Bengal's domestic teams before reaching the national stage.

Apart from Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar, the state government has appointed up to 180 players of various sports in different government services. Furthermore, it is important to note that a total of 637 players will reportedly be receiving scholarship letters in the current financial year. There is also provision for assistance of up to INR 3 lakh per year under the Saksham scheme, INR 5 lakh under the Utkarsh scheme, and up to INR 20 lakh.

Both cricketers were born in Bihar but built their domestic cricket careers with the Bengal team, and have since represented India at the highest level and become role models for young cricketers from the state. The sports quota initiative aims to recognize athletes who have brought honour to their state and country through sporting excellence.

Mukesh Kumar, who represents the Delhi Capitals in the IPL, has emerged as a reliable pace bowler across formats. He has taken 42 wickets in as many games for the Capitals since his IPL debut in 2023. In the IPL 2026 season, the 32-year-old picked up six wickets. His journey from a domestic workhorse to an India representative showcases his resilience and technical skill with the ball.

What is Akash Deep's recent international performance record?

Akash Deep has emerged as a key pace bowler for India's Test team. The 29-year-old has played 10 Test matches for India and claimed 28 wickets at an average of 35.78. Akash Deep was ruled out of IPL 2026 due to injury after being roped in by the Kolkata Knight Riders at the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Despite this setback, his performances in international cricket, particularly his standout displays in England last year, have cemented his status as a vital asset to the Indian pace attack.

Why are both cricketers receiving these appointments?

The Bihar government's decision reflects its commitment to honouring sporting talent from the state. Both cricketers received recommendations for direct DSP-level appointments through the sports quota mechanism. The scheme provides economic stability for athletes while recognizing their contributions to national sporting pride. As both Kumar and Deep prepare for their new roles, they remain symbols of Bihar's growing presence in Indian cricket.