Uttarakhand: Rishabh Pant seeks land for home, CM Dhami assures support
India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has sought assistance from the Uttarakhand government to acquire land for building a home in his native state. This appeal, made publicly on social media, prompted Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to assure him of full support.
Pant expressed his desire to relocate from Delhi to Uttarakhand and contribute to the state’s development. He indicated his willingness to purchase the land from the government at official rates. The cricketer stated that he had been attempting to acquire land for nearly three years without success.
Pant’s Public Appeal and CM’s Response
In the early hours of a Saturday, Pant posted on X, directly addressing Chief Minister Dhami. He explained his long-standing efforts to find suitable land in Uttarakhand to establish his first home and shift his base. He emphasized his affection for Uttarakhand and his wish to return to his native place to help and build around the state, specifically mentioning his desire to move back to his “Pahadi people.”
Following his initial post, Pant clarified that he was not seeking a gift but intended to purchase the land at government rates. He further wrote that while a gift would be appreciated for representing the state internationally, he preferred to buy the land to build his first house in his home state.
Chief Minister Dhami responded positively to Pant’s appeal on X, acknowledging him as the “pride of Uttarakhand.” Dhami stated that Pant’s achievements have brought recognition to Devbhoomi both nationally and globally. He commended Pant’s love for his motherland and his sentiment of returning to contribute. The Chief Minister confirmed that instructions were being issued to concerned officials, who would contact Pant to ensure all possible cooperation in accordance with regulations.
Speaking to reporters, Dhami reiterated that Pant, being from Uttarakhand, has brought pride to the state through his cricketing achievements and representation of the country. He assured that government officials would discuss the matter with Pant and provide the necessary support, welcoming anyone who wishes to return to the state.
Financial Contributions and Cricket Career
Pant’s appeal comes shortly after he was identified as Uttarakhand’s highest individual taxpayer for the 2025-26 financial year. Reports indicate he paid ₹23.84 crore in taxes. This figure was announced by the Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Uttarakhand, during an event on July 24, marking the second consecutive year Pant topped the list of individual taxpayers in the state.
His significant tax contribution reflects earnings from various sources, including his BCCI contract, IPL salary, match fees, and endorsement deals. Pant was acquired by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹27 crore. During the assessed period, he held a Grade A BCCI contract with an annual retainership of ₹5 crore, though he has since moved to Grade B with a ₹3 crore annual retainership. His commercial endorsements include associations with multiple brands.
Born in Roorkee, Uttarakhand, Pant began his cricketing journey in the state before moving to Delhi for professional development. He currently represents Delhi in domestic cricket and is a key member of India’s Test setup. He is part of the India A squad playing a three-day unofficial Test against Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo, ahead of India’s two-Test series against Sri Lanka, which is scheduled to begin in Galle on August 15.
Source: m.rediff.com
