Shadab Jakati, who is one of the two cricketers from Goa to have played in the Indian Premier League today took a plunge in politics by joining the newly-formed Goa Forward party.

The 35-year-old, a left-handed batsman and left-arm spinner, who plays for Goa in first class cricket and Gujarat Lions in the Indian Premier League, has joined politics with less than a year left for assembly polls in the coastal state.

"Cricket is my life! Now it is the time to take Goa forward and make politics a gentleman's game," Jakati said, announcing his entry into the party, which was launched in January.

Jakati represented Chennai Super Kings in IPL for six seasons (2008-13) and Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2014. In this year's edition of the cash-rich league, he played for Gujarat Lions franchise.