Kirtivardhan Bhagwat Jha Azad

Kirti Azad, born on January 2, 1959, in Purnia, Bihar, is a former Indian cricketer and politician. He played a key part in India's 1983 World Cup win as a right-arm off-spin bowler. After his cricket career, Azad entered politics and served as a Member of Parliament. Known for his stance on transparency in Indian sports, he actively addressed corruption issues. Kirti Azad's involvement in both cricket and politics has made him a noteworthy figure, celebrated for contributions to sports and public service alike.

Here are some of his major encompassments:-

• While studying in Delhi, he participated in numerous domestic events and scored 4867 runs with 162 wickets in 95 Ranji Trophy events. 
• Azad made his international debut in Wellington during the tour of Australia and New Zealand in the 1980s. 
• Secured a deserving place in the World Cup team of 1983. He proved to be the crackerjack at his turn at the semi-finals and played an essential role in winning the competition by his fast bowling skills against former English cricketer Ian Botham.
• Also participated in an exhibition day/night match, the same year i.e. 1983, against Pakistan and scored 71 not out which made India win the match by a wicket.
• He became an MLA in the year 1993 before playing his last Ranji Trophy match.
• In 1999, he was designated in the 13th Lok Sabha and was elected again in the 15th Lok Sabha in 2009. Later, he joined the standing committee on health and family welfare and appeared on Doordarshan as a commentator.
• Besides this, Azad was also elected a member of Delhi and District Cricket Association (D.D.C.A.) and has also won the Lok Sabha election from Darbhanga, Bihar in May 2014.