Manoj Tiwary former Indian cricketer and present TMC minister looks forward to playing in IPL 2022

In a first of its kind, a sitting minister in India may be a part of an Indian Premier League (IPL) team.

Manoj Tiwary, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of West Bengal, has registered himself for the upcoming IPL auctions.

Speaking to media, the former India cricketer stated that he is looking forward to playing in the IPL in 2022.

"Yes, I have registered myself for the auction in IPL 2022. I am looking forward to playing the tournament," said the former Indian cricketer who is also a member of the Bengal Ranji Squad for the 2022 Ranji Cup.

Tiwary, Bengal's former Ranji Captain, has represented the Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals),



Kolkata Knight Riders, Rising Pune Supergiant and Punjab Kings, in total 98 IPL matches in the past. He scored 1695 runs, including seven half-centuries, and also has a wicket against his name.

After getting elected as one of the 213 MLAs in Mamata Banerjee's third term, Tiwary was made the MoS Sports and Youth Affairs for West Bengal Government.

When asked if he could manage his office and the games together? Tiwary said, "I don't think there will be an issue. My team and I have been doing a good job in my department. I am going to Goa and Tripura for party work as well. So, I don't think there will be an issue with playing IPL in 2022," said the TMC minister, whose base price for the IPL auction is Rs 50 lakhs.