From the Pitch to the Police Force: Bihar’s Fast-Bowling Duo Gets the Khaki Upgrade

Indian cricketers Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep have been appointed as Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP) by the Bihar government, rewarding their stellar international performances.

For Sasaram-born pacer Akash Deep, the wedding season has brought more than just the usual festivities. As he prepares to tie the knot with Akshita in Varanasi on June 24, the cricketer has received a career-defining gift from the Bihar government: a badge of authority. Along with his teammate and fellow speedster Mukesh Kumar, Akash has been officially appointed as a DSP under the state’s policy for the direct recruitment of outstanding sportspersons.

The official notification, issued by the General Administration Department on Friday, confirms that both cricketers have been placed in the Pay Scale-9 bracket (Rs 9,300–34,800) with a grade pay of Rs 5,400. This primary source of confirmation highlights that their selection was vetted by a committee that evaluated their consistent contributions to both the domestic circuit—where both represent Bengal—and their impactful stints for the Indian national team.

A Double-Wicket Fall for Success

While Akash Deep currently trends for his impending nuptials, his professional trajectory has been equally fast-paced. Having risen through the ranks of domestic cricket, his transition from the cricket field to administrative service is a recognition of the grit required to make it to the top. Mukesh Kumar, similarly, earned his stripes through sheer consistency, notably playing a vital role in the Indian team that clinched the gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games.

The move is part of a broader strategy by the Bihar government to integrate high-achieving athletes into the state’s administrative framework. By offering these roles, the state aims to provide career security to those who bring national laurels to the region, effectively ensuring that their expertise and discipline are channeled into public service alongside their ongoing sporting commitments.

Why it matters

This trend of appointing star athletes to high-ranking police posts is more than just a ceremonial gesture; it is a strategic tool for talent retention and state branding. By positioning cricketers like Mukesh and Akash as symbols of excellence, the state creates a aspirational bridge between athletics and governance. For the athletes, it offers a stable future post-retirement, while for the state, it gains high-profile ambassadors who embody the values of hard work and public duty. Moving forward, the effectiveness of this model will depend on how these individuals balance the rigorous demands of professional cricket with the bureaucratic responsibilities of the police force, a challenge many past legends have navigated with mixed results.

The appointment stands as a formal acknowledgment that in India’s sporting landscape, success on the pitch is increasingly seen as a pathway to influential roles in the civil and police administration. As Akash Deep heads toward his wedding, he carries with him not just the well-wishes of his family, but the weight of a uniform that reflects his status as a role model for the youth of Bihar.