He fell in love with his friend’s sister… Cricketer broke the wall of religion and got married, today Chief Selector of Team India

New Delhi. There are many such couples in the history of Indian cricket who have set an example of love by breaking boundaries and traditions. One of these names is that of veteran fast bowler and current chief selector of Indian cricket, Ajit Agarkar. Agarkar has been known as an aggressive bowler on the field, but the story of his personal life is equally calm, serious and full of unwavering love. This story starts in the 90s, when Agarkar was the rising star of Mumbai cricket. Ajit Agarkar first met Fatima through one of his fellow cricketers, Mazhar Ghariyali. Mazhar and Ajit were together in the Mumbai team. Mazhar’s sister Fatima often used to come to the stadium to encourage her brother. It was from here that the acquaintance of Ajit and Fatima started. Fatima was making a career as a management consultant at that time, while Ajit was knocking on the doors of the Indian team.

In the beginning it was just a normal friendship between Ajit Agarkar and Fatima Ghadialy, but gradually this series of meetings turned into deep affection. Fatima’s simple style and Ajit’s calm nature complemented each other. By the time Ajit entered international cricket in 1998, his heart had started beating for Fatima. Ajit Agarkar belonged to a Marathi Hindu Pandit family, while Fatima belonged to a Muslim family. In the early 2000s, interfaith marriages were much more challenging than they are today. There was not only the wall of religion between their love, but there was also the fear of taunts and stereotypes of the society. The biggest challenge Ajit faced was to make his family understand that like sports, there are no boundaries in matters of the heart.

Ajit and Fatima became each other’s companions in 2002
It is said that Ajit and Fatima spoke to their respective families with great patience. Fatima’s brother Mazhar who was himself a friend of Ajit. He acted as a bridge in this relationship. Ultimately, their true love prevailed and the families approved the relationship. On 9 February 2002, Ajit and Fatima became each other’s companions. To avoid the glare of the media at that time, they got married in a very private ceremony, in which only family members and very close friends were present. However, the grand reception held later was attended by the stalwarts of Indian cricket, where everyone from Ganguly to Sachin blessed the couple.

Balancing on-field records and personal life
Ajit Agarkar’s cricket career has been brilliant. He played more than 200 international matches for India. Even today, he is at third place in the list of highest wicket takers for India in ODI cricket after Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath. Be it his Test century at the historic ground of Lord’s or the record of fastest half-century in ODI, Agarkar always got the team out of trouble.

Wife always remained the strength in Agarkar’s life.
Wife Fatima Ghariyali always remained a support in Ajit Agarkar’s successful cricket career. Fatima was often seen sitting in the stands cheering Ajit. Today Ajit Agarkar is playing the important responsibility of the chief selector of the Indian cricket team, but this love story of him and Fatima is still an inspiration for young lovers that if the intentions are good, then every obstacle can be overcome.