Kirti Azad is an Indian politician and former cricketer who is known for his association with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) party. Here’s a detailed overview of his life and career:
Early Life and Education
- Date of Birth: January 2, 1969
- Place of Birth: Delhi, India
- Family: Kirti Azad is the son of the former Indian cricketer and politician, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar Azad.
- Education: He attended St. Xavier’s School in Delhi and later pursued a Bachelor’s degree from Delhi University.
Cricket Career
- Domestic Cricket: Kirti Azad played domestic cricket for Delhi and had a successful career.
- International Cricket:
- Test Debut: He made his Test debut for India in 1980.
- ODI Debut: His One Day International (ODI) debut was in 1983.
- Notable Achievements: Azad is best remembered for his role in the 1983 Cricket World Cup, where he was part of the Indian team that won the championship. He was particularly noted for his crucial knock in the final against the West Indies.
- Retirement: He retired from international cricket in the late 1980s.
Political Career
- Political Party: Initially a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Kirti Azad joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in 2021.
- Positions Held:
- BJP: Azad served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the BJP, representing the Darbhanga constituency in Bihar. He was known for his outspoken criticism of the then BJP leadership, particularly related to issues of corruption and internal party matters.
- TMC: After joining the TMC, Azad was involved in various party activities and continued to make political contributions in his new role.
Personal Life
- Marriage: Kirti Azad is married and has a family, although specific details about his spouse and children are not widely publicized.
- Interests: Apart from cricket and politics, he is known for his involvement in social issues and community work.
Public Image
Kirti Azad is known for his straightforward and outspoken nature. His transition from a cricketer to a politician has been marked by both acclaim and controversy, reflecting his dynamic personality and commitment to public service.