A CRICKETER FROM BIHAR WHO WENT ON TO BECOME GENERAL MANAGER OF BCCI Saba Karim

A CRICKETER FROM BIHAR WHO WENT ON TO BECOME GENERAL MANAGER OF BCCI Saba Kari

A CRICKETER FROM BIHAR WHO WENT ON TO BECOME GENERAL MANAGER OF BCCI Saba Karim

“Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records.” William Arthur Ward

We all know about the turmoil Bihar cricket has faced in the last 18 years. Few battle all adversities and pave their way to their aspirations with perseverance and grit.

GENERAL MANAGER OF BCCI Saba Karim

One such cricketer wasSaba Karim. Born in BiharsharifSaba Karimstarted his domestic career in 1982-83, representing Bihar in the Ranji Trophy. A profilic run getter in the domestic arena, he recorded a career best of 234 against Orissa in the 1990-91 Ranji Trophy season. He was a mainstay with the Bihar side till 1994-95 ,when he switched to Bengal in an effort to catch the selectors attention. This proved to be a worthwhile move since he got a second chance to represent the country, thanks to some good performances behind the stumps and before them.

International apperance :

He was first picked for India as a replacement for Nayan Mongia in the Standard Bank Series in South Africa in 1996-97 and he performed well with the bat when he scored 55 on debut and a 38 in the next match, however he could only score 49 runs in next eight innings .He really never got a chance to cement his place in the side, mainly due to the presence of Nayan Mongia.

Even after Mongia’s dismal 1999 World Cup campaign, Karim could not find a place in the squad as the selectors preferred MSK Prasad and Sameer Dighe. But with the two failing to capitalise on their chances, Karim who was also a useful late order batsman, got his oppurtunity during the South African tour of India in 2000.

Setback :

Saba karim injury

Just when he seemed set to consolidate his position in the team, he received an untimely setback when he was injured on his right eye while keeping to Anil Kumble during the Asia Cup at Dhaka. He had to undergo surgery and the injury ended his playing career.The eye injury ended his playing career. However, he played one Test, also against Bangladesh, in November 2000.

Different role in cricket ;

He took to televison commentry after his playing days , and was given a role of national selector in 2012 of east zone.On 1 January 2018, Saba Karim was appointed by BCCI as General Manager, Cricket Operations. Primarily, his major responsibilities held as giving strategic direction to the cricket department, implementing the operational plans, budgeting, determining and monitoring the compliance of match playing regulations, standards of venues, administration of Domestic Program. As per recent news Saba Karim has been asked to resign from the post of BCCI General Manager

Wishing the son of Bihar all the best in his future endeavours, hope he takes Indian cricket forward and help thin takinglanguishing Bihar cricket to new heights.