Pant’s appeal for land in Uttarakhand
India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has publicly appealed to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for assistance in acquiring land within the state. Pant expressed his desire to relocate from Delhi to his native state and construct his first home there. He indicated that he has been attempting to find suitable land in Uttarakhand for approximately three years but has faced difficulties in securing a property that meets his requirements.
Pant conveyed his request through social media, tagging CM Dhami in a detailed post. He emphasized his wish to return to his roots and contribute to the state’s development after representing India on the international stage. Pant clarified that he intends to purchase the land from the government at official rates, rather than seeking it as a gift.
In his appeal, Pant stated, “I have been trying to buy land to shift my base from Delhi to Uttrakhand and I couldn’t find anything facilitating and big to live here I love my Uttrakhand. My humble request to us is please help me in land acquisition cause nowadays it had become nitemare with clarity and even other land is dew which was I supposedly get when I was promoting the state before keeping everything in side I wanna move back to my native place to help and built around Uttrakhand and I want to shift back to my Pahadi people please look into this matter it’s been 3 years didn’t get any land awaiting your answer @pushkardhami sir.” He further added, “A gift would be lovely for representation outs states at the highest level internationally stages but if you allow me I wanna buy it from Government and on there rates at least I can have my first house built in my own state and our state please be helpful. Seriously didn’t know how to do it.”
CM Dhami’s assurance and Pant’s contributions
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami responded positively to Pant’s request, assuring him of full support from the state government. CM Dhami stated that the matter has been referred to relevant officials who will contact Pant to provide all possible assistance in accordance with established rules.
CM Dhami highlighted Pant’s achievements, noting that he has brought pride to Uttarakhand through his cricketing career and his representation of the country. “Dear Rishabh, you are the pride of Uttarakhand. With your splendid performance and achievements, you have illuminated the name of Devbhoomi in the country and the world. Your love for your motherland and your sentiment of returning here to contribute are highly commendable,” CM Dhami wrote in his response.
The Chief Minister further commented that anyone wishing to return to the state is welcome, emphasizing Pant’s connection to Uttarakhand. He confirmed that government officials would discuss the matter with Pant and extend the necessary support. “Our officials will discuss everything with him. If he requires anything at all, we will certainly provide it,” CM Dhami told reporters.
Pant, who hails from Roorkee in Uttarakhand’s Haridwar district, began his cricketing journey in the state before moving to Delhi for professional opportunities. He continues to represent Delhi in domestic cricket and is a significant member of India’s Test setup. His appeal underscores his ongoing connection to Uttarakhand and his desire to contribute to its growth.
Financial contributions and cricketing career
Rishabh Pant’s appeal follows his recent recognition as Uttarakhand’s highest individual taxpayer for the 2025-26 financial year. He reportedly paid Rs 23.84 crore in taxes for that period, marking the second consecutive year he has topped the list of individual taxpayers in the state. This figure represents a significant increase from the previous financial year, when he paid approximately Rs 10.5 crore in advance tax.
Pant’s substantial tax contributions reflect his earnings from various sources, including his BCCI contract, IPL salary, match fees, and endorsement deals. He was previously acquired by Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 27 crore. During the assessed period, Pant held a Grade A BCCI contract, with an annual retainership of Rs 5 crore, though he has since moved to Grade B, with an annual retainership of Rs 3 crore.
His commercial endorsements also contribute significantly to his income, with associations including Adidas, Dream11, SG, Thums Up, Cadbury, boAt, Noise, Zomato, JSW Cement, and MakeMyTrip. Pant is currently with the India A squad in Colombo, participating in a three-day unofficial Test against Sri Lanka Cricket XI, ahead of India’s two-Test series against Sri Lanka, which is scheduled to commence in Galle on August 15.
Source: m.rediff.com
