Former Pakistan cricketer Arshad Khan now steers a cab in Australia


NEW DELHI, Sep 3 (TOI) : How would you picture the life of a former international cricketer? Probably nurturing the upcoming generation of cricketers, commentating, working for a cricket board, running his own cricket academy, dealing with the nitty-gritties of his business or simply sunbathing in a faraway island while enjoying the life of a retired professional.

The life of retired Pakistan offspinner Arshad Khan is a far cry from all this.

On Monday, a post on social networking website Facebook claimed that the former cricketer is driving Uber Taxi in Sydney.

"He was the driver of our cab and we started chatting, he told me that he is from Pakistan and lives in Sydney. Also that he has been to Hyderabad many times when he was playing for Lahore Badshahs something in ICL. After which I asked him his full name and then I was shocked to see his face which I could partially recognise. I shook has his hand and left," Ganesh Birle posted on his Facebook account on Monday.

"He was avoiding the conversation all the time, but at the same time he couldn't help but talk about his India connection. Imagine he introduced himself as 'I from Pakistan [sic] but I have been here in Sydney for long time now'. Also like a good Uber driver he offered us water and stuff when we sat in the car," he wrote.

Arshad made his debut for Pakistan in 1997-98 against West Indies and went on to play nine Tests and 58 ODIs. During his international career that effectively ended after he signed up for the rebel Indian Cricket League, he picked 32 Test and 56 ODI wickets. Both his last Test and ODI came against India at Bangalore and Rawalpindi respectively.

 

  

Top Stories

Comment on this article

  • Don, Mangalore

    Fri, Sep 04 2015

    In the 60's and 70's there were Mangaloreans in Bombay who were Taxi drivers. There is nothing wrong in any work that makes an honest living.

    Today their children and grand children are professionals doing well for themselves.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [37] Reply Report Abuse

  • Kevin, Australia\ Mangalore

    Fri, Sep 04 2015

    There is respect and Dignity of Labour in Australia. Cabbies do a good earning in Australia. They live a good life in Australia compared to many other countries where there is no respect for humans itself (especial India). They travel places, they have flexibility of when and how many hours they want to work with no unwanted work tension. Roads are good and the earning also is very good compared to most of the professionals or white collar jobs. I have seen doctors and engineers who have migrated take up part time job for extra money which u guys consider as low standard. Way media makes news acts as if they and their work is of very high standard. Keeping cricket aside how well other sports persons are treated in India??

    DisAgree [3] Agree [31] Reply Report Abuse

  • Wilma, Udupi

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    He is pleasing god by doing decent job for his living.Please appreciate him and learn some good lesson from him to survive in difficult situation.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [36] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    Pakistan is worse than India - when it comes to Acche Din ...

    DisAgree [3] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • JOY CASTELINO, MOODUBELLE/DUBAI

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    It remind me Ex.Sulia MLA of 1978-80 ( I forgot his name ), some years back he working as construction labour!!!!!!!! I don't know whether he is alive or not now!!!!

    DisAgree [1] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Lexy Saldanha, Mangaluru/Sydney-Australia

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    Good on you Mr.Arshad Khan, there is dignity of labour in Australia, we have sat in his cab, very nice decent guy, earning his daily bread in a dignified way.
    Many young youth in Pakistan want to leave their problematic country for good, and to start a new life especially in Western countries. Mr. Arshad Khan is perfect example, he played couple of test matches for his country, he couldn't make a decent living so opted to migrate to Australia, he is happy, whats wrong in that.
    Grow up people, be broad minded, appreciate such people like Arshad. Taxi driving is hard & stressful job, but good way to meet influential customers and even helpful to change their career in long run.
    Well done Mr. Arshad Khan, keep up the good work.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [101] Reply Report Abuse

  • sid, mangalore

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    Hope the Kashmiris who want to be in the Paki side read this and understand

    DisAgree [11] Agree [44] Reply Report Abuse

  • moshu, mlr

    Fri, Sep 04 2015

    and sanghis from our indian side

    DisAgree [13] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rezy, Mlore/MCT

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    Cricketer became taxi driver, SO WHAT? its legal and not against law and hes hard working.

    Now see our Beer barons and real estate barons, and politicians doing all illegal deals and corruptions hitting millions of rupees and inside jail now.

    Whoever you are, wherever you are. Work hard and earn legally.

    DisAgree Agree [57] Reply Report Abuse

  • Arief Bava, Kaup/Dubai

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    In our time most of the school/college girls are linked with driver. We also noticed students are tied knot with driver. That is power of driver.

    DisAgree [10] Agree [28] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mohd, Mlore

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    So what...in western countries this is common, sports persons, stars and well known personalities work like this when needed ..it is not shame ..at least he has not cheated his fans by match/spot fixing...Personally I feel we should be ready to do any legal work be it is small or big .

    DisAgree [1] Agree [64] Reply Report Abuse

  • CJV Mangalore, Bangalore/ Mangalore

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    This is what wiki says - Khan now lives in Sydney,Australia and earns his living through taxi business in which most of the taxi's he has given for rent

    DisAgree [1] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ryan Pinto, Mangalore

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    Instead of moving to Sydney, he should have got in touch with Hafiz Saeed, Lakhvi etc.. they could have offered him lucrative post retirement opportunities.

    DisAgree [121] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Zuhair, udupi/Muscat

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    Mr. Pinto Keep this option for yourself, who knows what will be your fate after few years... Mangalore has lot of Hafeez Saeed like figures who will pay you just to keep a tab on couples and their communities...

    DisAgree [15] Agree [50] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ryan Pinto, Mangalore

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    Mr. Zuhair, please don't get touchy, I didn't speak of any community or religion. I don't get brain washed easily to commit an anti social activity to which you have indirectly referred to. There are many Indian sportsmen and women who need these words of encouragement. I am a firm believer of destiny, by you commenting on my future nothing increases or decreases its fortune. You better concentrate on your future, oil prices are dropping.....

    DisAgree [33] Agree [27] Reply Report Abuse

  • Charles D'Mello, Pangala

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    Do not underestimate any profession. During 1950 to 1960's mumbai taxi drivers in more demand than the gulfies...for marriage alliance...!!!????

    DisAgree [5] Agree [54] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangaluru/Kuwait

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    Just watch around how our politicians, Ministers & leaders are condemned or criticized! heh wala, who wala, jo wala, Batilwala, Paperwala, .......

    DisAgree [3] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rebecca, Mangalore

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    Politicians deserve the title "Safaiwala". Treasury ki safai.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • MILAN, DXB

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    ONE THING SURE HE IS NOT MATCH FIXER,

    WHERE IS SACHIN TENDULKAR.

    DisAgree [9] Agree [44] Reply Report Abuse

  • Well wisher, Udupi

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    Why comparison ????

    DisAgree [11] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Salam, Malaysia

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    These people cant Help their Sports Man, poor guy working as a driver in an aliean land. and these dumb people need our Kashmir. I guess its time to capture our land given to these useless people. Jai Hind

    DisAgree [6] Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • SUHAN, Mangalore

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    Whatever the job which is honest is to be appreciated. Life is like that anyone can become pauper unless one is very cautious of his future. Some do jobs even if they have enough wealth to survive because they love the job of their preference. There is no shame to do any job as long as the job that is legal.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [34] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangaluru/Kuwait

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    Indians work in GCC countries, some migrate to other countries but majority would like to be back home. 'Home sweet home' - Not Ghar wapsi ok!

    DisAgree [7] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • Declan, Mumbai

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    Dignity of Labour - whether Driver, Waitress or Chaiwala - All are very respectable jobs which we Indians too must appreciate as done in 'developed nations'.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [58] Reply Report Abuse

  • MW, DUBAI

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    To whom you are taunting?

    DisAgree [17] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangaluru/Kuwait

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    Such incidence never happened in the history of Indian cricketers. By the time they opt for retirement from cricket they have already become multi-Millionaire.(By hard work or by match fixing)

    DisAgree [2] Agree [36] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, Bahrain

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    Doing any work for livelihood is not any issue.
    Issue is the pathetic condition of the Pak player if it is true then Pakistan must be serious for him. Driving taxi is better than playing cricket in Pakistan team.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [36] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mohammed, Bajpe/Riyadh

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    The first and foremost criteria of every young Pakistani is getting out of their country for good and living elsewhere. We see them populated in the middle east, Canada, US, UK, Australia etc.
    Unlike us Indians, They never want to go back and prefer to settle abroad rather than live in the 'hell' called Pakistan.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [43] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ashraf, Dammam

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    I read this news in another forum a couple of days and was actually surprised to see that a lot of comments from people who live in Australia say that it is not at all a surprise to them as there are even Engineers who gave up their jobs and became a taxi driver with Uber in Australia. At the end of the day, earning good money honestly and without any pressure is what makes you happy in life. Respect to Arshad.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [74] Reply Report Abuse

  • prem, moodbidri

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    As long as any person earns his daily bread respectfully, working hard & without harming others, that has to be appreciated. What is wrong being driver or cleaner?

    DisAgree [2] Agree [51] Reply Report Abuse

  • Abdul Jabbar, Mangalore

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    Dear friend Prem, I really liked what you said.As long as its decent and sincerely earned, theres no need to be ashamed of any work.Some people just have venom and lots of negativity in them.Cant really say anything..

    DisAgree [1] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ahmed, Doha / Mangalooru

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    Better than fixing matches and bringing shame to your family n country like his other team mates

    DisAgree [3] Agree [56] Reply Report Abuse

  • Amin Bhoja, Patte / Riyadh

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    Doing a decent job it is a worth of all respects!!!don't compare yourself with others and too their livings ,live yourself and live honestly!!I Feel pride moment of Arshad Khan.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [49] Reply Report Abuse

  • yogesh, mumbai

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    Why? no govt job for cricket players in pak? maybe nawaz sharief should look into it(if he has time..ha ha!)

    DisAgree [15] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • VBS ,Bantakal/Lagos,

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    Nobody can chase the time and destiny, What's wrong with that at least he's working!!!

    DisAgree [3] Agree [72] Reply Report Abuse

  • India First, India

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    Lots of respect from India brother. Pakistan is known for two T's ( Terrorist & Taxi Driver) but you have chosen good.... !! God Bless You.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [71] Reply Report Abuse

  • Af,,, Mangaluru

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    Thank god that he is not joined 'D' group company after his cricketing life.

    DisAgree [13] Agree [39] Reply Report Abuse

  • Francis, Dubai

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    Af,,, Mangaluru,

    Why negative comments from you? It seems you have allergy for this community of people.

    DisAgree Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • Af,, Mangaluru

    Fri, Sep 04 2015

    Sorry i like this community very much but hate pakis.

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Francis, Dubai

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    Mr. Prem, Mangalore,

    I really appreciate your positive response.

    In life, we commit lot of mistakes whether knowingly or unknowingly. End of the day,we need to get corrected and find our success.

    DisAgree Agree [47] Reply Report Abuse

  • CONRAD JOHN TAURO, SHIRVA/UDUPI/DUBAI

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    Very sad.
    His life also spin off.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • Declan, Mumbai

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    Hi Conrad,

    Before : Turning the Ball
    Now : Turning the Steering Wheel

    DisAgree [4] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • CONRAD JOHN TAURO, SHIRVA/UDUPI/DUBAI

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    Hi Declan
    Truly said.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • peter lewis, Brahmavar/Sharjah

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    Very sad to hear. But surely he is working and earning honestly which pleases to God.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [68] Reply Report Abuse

  • Gabriel, mangalore

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    What's wrong if a professional cricketer from Pakistan becomes a professional driver in another country like Australia? he might be more interested in becoming an Australian citizen than living in his own country for whatever reasons best known to him.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [45] Reply Report Abuse

  • VV GLADYS NORONHA, KUWAIT

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    Situation in his country country made him to be a driver of a cab!!!
    Nobody is secured in Pakistan.. Most of the celebrities especially from THE sports world wants to settle either in United Kingdom or Australia.. Because they are feared of their life... they may be attacked or killed..
    V V GLADYS NORONHA
    KUWAIT

    DisAgree [3] Agree [31] Reply Report Abuse

  • Allen, Mangaluru

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    Why make a big issue about a Pakistani cricketer? while our own National and International sports people are neglected and living a pathetic life! I myself had met an Indian ex-Montreal Olympic hockey player working in a small Saudi establishment while at KSA some years back!

    DisAgree [10] Agree [62] Reply Report Abuse

  • VV GLADYS NORONHA, KUWAIT

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    You are 100% true Allen.. Except Indian Cricketers other sportsmen are not getting reasonable amount of payment. Many times our athletes travel in rickshaws and trains.. this makes them to settle abroad!!!!

    DisAgree [1] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Prem, mangalore

    Thu, Sep 03 2015

    The money you earned in 10 years ....can loose in 10 seconds...due to wrong investments.

    Even I have made lots of mistakes in financial planning.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [111] Reply Report Abuse


Leave a Comment

Title: Former Pakistan cricketer Arshad Khan now steers a cab in Australia



You have 2000 characters left.

Disclaimer:

Please write your correct name and email address. Kindly do not post any personal, abusive, defamatory, infringing, obscene, indecent, discriminatory or unlawful or similar comments. Daijiworld.com will not be responsible for any defamatory message posted under this article.

Please note that sending false messages to insult, defame, intimidate, mislead or deceive people or to intentionally cause public disorder is punishable under law. It is obligatory on Daijiworld to provide the IP address and other details of senders of such comments, to the authority concerned upon request.

Hence, sending offensive comments using daijiworld will be purely at your own risk, and in no way will Daijiworld.com be held responsible.