Rishabh Pant seeks CM Dhami's help to acquire land in Uttarakhand
Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant has appealed to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for assistance in purchasing land in his home state after a three-year struggle. Dhami has promised full cooperation within legal guidelines.
Rishabh Pant seeks CM Dhami's help to acquire land in Uttarakhand
Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant's public appeal for help in acquiring land in Uttarakhand has received swift assurance from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who pledged to provide all necessary assistance in accordance with state regulations.
The wicketkeeper-batter, born in Roorkee in 1997 with ancestral roots in Pali village in Pithoragarh district, turned to social media early Saturday morning to highlight his three-year struggle to find suitable property in his home state. Tagging Dhami, Pant expressed his desire to relocate from Delhi to Uttarakhand and establish a residence there.
Hello sir, how are you? It's been a long time for me, especially being a local from Uttarakhand. I have been trying to buy land to shift my base from Delhi to Uttarakhand, but I couldn't find anything suitable and big enough to live here. I love my Uttarakhand.
Strict land laws complicate purchase
The cricketer's difficulties come against the backdrop of Uttarakhand's evolving land acquisition regulations. In February 2025, the state cabinet approved strict land laws under Dhami aimed at protecting Uttarakhand's resources and cultural heritage. The legislation prevents outsiders from purchasing agricultural land and caps residential land purchases at 250 square meters. These measures reversed earlier policies from 2018 that had relaxed restrictions to allow larger plot purchases.
Pant emphasized that he was not seeking special treatment, clarifying in a follow-up message that he would purchase the property at official government rates.
A gift would be lovely for representing our state at the highest international stages, but if you allow me, I want to buy it from the government at its rates. At least I can have my first house built in my own state. Please be helpful. Seriously, I didn't know how to do it.
A journey from humble beginnings
The request carries particular poignancy given Pant's journey from humble beginnings to cricket stardom. At age 12, he and his mother would make weekend trips from Roorkee to Delhi to train at Sonnet Cricket Academy under coach Tarak Sinha, often staying at a Gurdwara in Moti Bagh due to lack of accommodation. His connection to the region was also marked by tragedy when he suffered a life-threatening car accident on 30 December 2022 near Roorkee on the Delhi-Dehradun highway, sustaining multiple injuries including a right knee ligament tear that sidelined him for 14 months before his comeback in March 2024.
CM Dhami's swift response
Chief Minister Dhami, who has served in the position since July 2021 as a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party, responded promptly to Pant's appeal.
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.
The Chief Minister confirmed that instructions had been issued to concerned officials to contact Pant and ensure cooperation within the framework of existing rules. Speaking to reporters later, Dhami reinforced his support, noting Pant's contributions to both the state and the nation.
Anyone who wishes to come here is absolutely welcome. After all, Pant belongs to our state. He has made a big name for himself and for the state. He has also played for the country and brought it glory, so he is welcome.
Pant's stature in Indian cricket was underscored when Lucknow Super Giants signed him for Rs 27 crore in the IPL 2025 auction, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. His request to return to Uttarakhand and contribute to the state's development reflects a desire to give back to the region that shaped his early years.
Our officials will discuss everything with him. If he requires anything at all, we will certainly provide it, the Chief Minister added, signaling that the matter would be resolved through official channels.
