BENGALURU: Until 2009, Daniel Liao was aiming to don India’s blue jersey. However, the state-level cricketer and a jolly natured all-rounder from Bengaluru then made a transition from cricketer to hair stylist.
After playing alongside and against players like Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya, Daniel – also known as Danny – is now giving them different hairstyles.
The leg spinner has played various age-group cricket for his state Karnataka but eventually faded away from the cricketing scene but he still gets goosebumps while recalling his cricketing memories, which includes bowling to Pakistan cricketers during nets in 2005.
“I was a net bowler and I have wonderful memory of bowling to Inzamam [Inzamam-ul-Haq] sir on nets,” he said in an interview to Geo in Bengaluru.
“I bowled him a slow, flight delivery to him two steps ahead, he missed the ball and was very angry and then on the next ball I bowled to him, he came down the wicket and he hit me out of the park, the ball was lost, the only person who came to me then was Younis Khan who told me Beta, don’t get scared, bowl flight, that was my memory to him.
“I bowled a lot to Salman Butt, Abdul Razzaq was also a funny guy, I really had a great time bowling to Pakistan team and also mingling with them.”
He added that Indian camp then was very serious while Pakistani side was so much relaxed and were enjoying the occasion, they were joking with each other so I decided to join Pakistan camp on nets.
He also revealed what Pakistani batters had requested him on nets.
“They asked me to bowl leg spin with a wet ball, because they wanted me to emulate Anil Kumble. At that time, Kumble wasn’t turning the ball, he was just drifting and it was skidding, so it helped Pakistan players to prepare to face Anil Kumble,” he said.
“I also remember Younis Khan talking to me about my cricket, they appreciated me. In fact, Younis Khan had then said that why don’t you come to Pakistan and play there, it was so nice, they were so great players but still very down to earth,” he recalled.
Daniel also said that he again met Salman Butt in 2008 when there was a match for World XI and the Pakistan cricketer immediately recognised him.
The leg spinner converted his two-bedroom apartment into a salon in 2012 and the space has become a place for so many cricketers to get their hair style done.
“A lot of cricketers come here and during IPL time they invite me to where they stay and I go there, a lot of us have studied in same college so they have confidence in me. I have cut Virat’s hair, Hardik has come here so has Robin Uthappa. KL Rahul has also come here as well as Karun Nair,” he said.
“KL Rahul knows what he wants to do with his hair, he is very serious about his hair style, we cannot make him a fool with his hair style,” Daniel said.
When asked how he sees style of Pakistan players, the cricketer-turned-stylist said that Rizwan’s hair and style are so neat, Babar also has trendy hairs.
“I think Imam-ul0Haq needs his hair to be corrected, his hairs are silky, he just needs it to be trimmed according to his facial structure,” he said.
“To me it is very emotional to see Pakistan team coming to Bangalore because I have very good connection with them, it is unfortunate that it has taken them so many years to come back. It is sports is what makes people together, I have played a lot of sports and I believe outside sports field we are all same, I am so happy and glad that they are here,” Daniel said.
Daniel also invited Pakistan team to visit his place and expressed his desire to give hair styles to Pakistani stars.
Faizan Lakhani Faizan Lakhani is Deputy Editor (Sports) at Geo News.
