Name Hindi: गुलाम पारकर / Gender Man
Ghulam Parkar: Legendary Indian Cricketer
Ghulam Ahmed Hasanali Parkar, popularly known as Ghulam Parkar, is a renowned cricket personality known for his outstanding contribution to the world of cricket. His full-blooded contributions spanned from on-field prowess to coaching duties post-retirement.
Early Life and Cricket Passion
Born on July 31, 1955 in Bombay (now Mumbai), India, Parkar’s fascination with cricket emerged at an early age. Like countless other young boys growing up in India’s largest city, he shared dreams of playing test cricket for India. He didn’t just dream; he worked doggedly on turning this into reality eventually becoming a strong pillar for the Indian cricket team.
Career Statistics and Achievements
- His first-class career spanned between 1975 and 1986 during which he played primarily for Bombay and West Zone.
- In the domestic circuit, he was a formidable opening batsman scoring over 5200 runs across his illustrious career.
- He made his Test debut at Manchester against England in June 1982 and went onto play ten Tests for India overall.
- Throughout his decade-long international stint, Parkar amassed several accolades, not least amongst them being sharing the field with some all-time greats of Indian Cricket – Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar and Kapil Dev.
- The best phase of his test career came along when he scored two half-centuries – 73 against Pakistan in Lahore and 65 against West Indies at home in Madras (Chennai).
Influence and Legacy
Although his international stint was relatively short, Parkar left an indelible mark on cricket history. His relentless running between the wickets earned him a reputation as one of the greatest hustlers in Indian cricket. Regarded for his acumen to open batting against ultra-fast bowlers, Ghulam’s brave style laid the basis for future generations.
Post-retirement, Parkar turned towards coaching and has aided in honing numerous talents at both youth and state levels. He served as coach-cum-manager for Maharashtra’s Ranji Trophy team during the early 2000s, turning them into a heavyweight domestic side.
Personal Life & Philanthropic activities
Ghulam Parkar remains an active force off-the-field too, often participating in campaigns around fitness awareness and usually involved in multiple charity events. Combining modesty with sporting brilliance, he continues to enjoy immense respect from peers, juniors, and fans alike.
In conclusion, Ghulam Parkar is a true testament to dedication and hard work who left an enduring legacy both on and particularly off the field through his commitment towards nurturing young talent.
