Shah Rukh Khan says his ‘highest point’ in IPL has been to give youngsters a shot at playing cricket: ‘They become what they were destined to become’

Shah Rukh Khan says his ‘highest point’ in IPL has been to give youngsters a shot at playing cricket: ‘They become what they were destined to become’

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan says offering youngsters a chance to play cricket at a professional level through the IPL has been his highlight since the sporting event began in 2008. Shah Rukh, who owns the team Kolkata Knight Riders, said he IPL gives hundreds of kids an opportunity to play the game.

The actor appeared for a special interview with Star Sports, where he opened up about the game and said, even though it is a “sporting franchise” where the teams are attempting to win, his philosophy goes beyond that.

“Someone had once told me that there was a time in our country when out of 100 crore people, only 11 men get the opportunity to play cricket. Because of IPL, at least 250-300 kids get that chance, including girls. At that level, where so many youngsters get that chance… Our team has such players. I have seen youngsters like Rinku, Sanju Samson, Mohammed Shami and so many others,” he said.

Shah Rukh Khan said for him the “highest point” is being able to give an “opportunity” to a young kid. “Maybe it will be giving oneself too much importance if I say ‘opportunity’, but if they get a chance, they become what they were destined to become.”

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Having been able to participate in the journey of some of the youngsters, who have gone on to become “such amazing players” has been a high point for Shah Rukh Khan, who said he was looking forward to Rinku Singh being in the World Cup squad.

“And so many other youngsters from other teams also who deserve it so much. But Rinku waha pahuch jaayega toh khushi hogi,” he had said. The interview was pre-recorded, as Rinku missed out on being part of the 15-member squad of T20 World Cup due to the management’s specific requirements for the conditions in USA and West Indies.

Shah Rukh Khan is currently gearing to begin shooting his next film, The King, co-starring Suhana Khan, which will be his fourth release post pandemic after Pathaan, Jawan and Dunki.

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