British Indian cricketer Monty Panesar eyes world of politics

Former England off-spinner Monty Panesar, who recently turned author with his book 'The Full Monty', has spoken of plans to take on the world of politics, possibly as a future Mayor of London.

The 37-year-old spinner, who had handed over copies of his book to the Indian cricket team during their UK tour for the Cricket World Cup in June-July, said he would next like to tackle politics at the end of his cricketing career.

"Politics does interest me. I live in London, I know about London so maybe once Sadiq Khan is done, he will pass the baton on to me for Mayor of London,"Panesar told a gathering organised by the Indian Journalists' Association (IJA) in London on Friday.

Asked if he had chosen the political affiliation for his future career, he said: "I haven't really decided that yet because I am still ambitious to play cricket. I will be working on being super fit for the county season but in the meantime, when you are not playing cricket or training, you have to occupy your mind. ...