CT 2017: Wasim Jaffer spotted in crowd during India's semi-final clash

Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer is arguably one of the best batsmen in the Indian domestic circuit. There was a time when he was a regular face in the Indian setup before being replaced by Gautam Gambhir in the previous decade. Since then, he failed to make a comeback to the national side. But his hunger for runs never ceased. He continued to pile on runs for the domestic sides and that reflects in his stellar numbers.

He is the highest run scorer in the Ranji Trophy, the Duleep Trophy, the Irani Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Recently, when India took on Bangladesh in the second semi-final game of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, Wasim Jaffer was seen in the crowds. He sat amidst the many fans chanting for team India.

His anonymity gives an eerie feeling to the cricket lovers. Nobody recognized him and the fielder at long on, Yuvraj Singh, took all the attention of the fans. As per the quotes in Times of India, when asked about any regrets that he has, Jaffer responded a negative. He noted that there was a time when he thought he deserved more chances but not it is all gone.

“Not anymore. Ab toh kaafi time ho gaya (a lot of time has passed). There was a time when I felt I could have contributed more. Now I’m just watching India play,” Wasim Jaffer quoted.

Playing for Division 2 club

The veteran batsman is currently in UK playing in anonymity for a Division 2 club. He plays for Moddershall and Oulton Cricket Club near Straffordshire.

“I’m still enjoying my batting and the scores are still coming. I come here every year in April-May and stay till October. My family joins me, it becomes a nice holiday. Sometimes when my friends join me, it’s good, someone else does the cooking. Otherwise one has to do everything on one’s own. I don’t mind, the contracts are decent. It’s a way to keep your hand in the game,” said Jaffer about his times in England.

He has previously played for other clubs like Scholes CC, Himley CC and in the District Premier League as well. When asked why is he still playing the game, the very humble Wasim Jaffer remarked “I still have the joy. Why would I bother otherwise? Playing anywhere on the domestic circuits is tiring business.”