Former Pakistani Cricketer Mahinder Kumar Loses Both Legs, Appeals for Support Amid Financial Hardship

Karachi:Renowned former cricketer and coach Mahinder Kumar, who represented Karachi and various domestic teams with distinction, has tragically lost both his legs due to complications from a foot infection. The 65-year-old is now bedridden and living in dire conditions in Karachi, awaiting help from the government, cricketing authorities, and kind-hearted individuals.

Mahinder Kumar, who hails from a Hindu family but is known for his unwavering patriotism and chants of “Pakistan Zindabad,” was a prominent fast bowler in his era. He played 65 first-class matches, taking 187 wickets, and 53 List A matches with 64 wickets to his name. He started his career with Pakistan PWD in 1976, later playing for UBL and ADBP alongside legends like Mudassar Nazar, Haroon Rasheed, Sikander Bakht, and Saleem Yousuf.

Despite his contributions to cricket and coaching, Kumar now lies in a bed in his modest home in the Garden area of Karachi. The infection in his heel, worsened by diabetes, led doctors to amputate first one leg and then the other to prevent the spread of gangrene. This has left him completely immobile and dependent on others for daily needs.

Kumar previously ran a coaching academy at Karachi’s KPI Ground, where he trained many players who later represented Pakistan internationally, including Sohail Khan, Mohammad Sami, Danish Kaneria, Tanvir Ahmed, and Naumanullah. As a selector for Karachi, he was instrumental in the early careers of stars like Shahid Afridi, Hassan Raza, Danish Kaneria, and Faisal Iqbal.

While the Pakistan Cricket Board provided some support through its fund and Multan Sultans’ owner Ali Tareen and ex-captain Moin Khan offered personal help, Mahinder Kumar says he is now drowning in debt, having spent nearly 3 million rupees on medical treatment. With no legs, his coaching academy — once his only source of income — is no longer operational. His son works a small job in Korangi and struggles to meet household expenses.

In a heartfelt appeal, Kumar said:

> “I call upon Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief General Asim Munir, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to help ease my suffering. I belong to the Hindu community, but my heart beats for Pakistan. I still have a dream of returning to the field with artificial limbs and reviving my academy. I just need support.”

Mahinder Kumar’s story is not just one of personal tragedy, but a stark reminder of how sporting heroes can be forgotten without a social safety net. He remains hopeful that the country he gave so much to will not abandon him in his time of greatest need.