Gujarat Election Commission names cricketer Pujara as brand ambassador

India's middle order batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has been appointed as the 'brand ambassador' of the Gujarat state Election Commission.

The district authorities had sent a suggestion to the Election Commission of India (ECI) in this regard, Rajkot district collector Rajendra Kumar on Thursday said at Rajkot, adding that the ECI accepted the suggestion.

"Pujara is popular among cricket lovers and the youth of the state. He would appeal the people to caste their votes in coming general election," Kumar said.

"I am happy to be associated with the noble cause of creating awareness among the people about the importance of voting," said Pujara, who arrived Rajkot this morning from New Zealand.

"Awareness about voting rights is needed in India and I will try to reach maximum number of people and appeal them to caste their votes in the coming elections," he said.

The young cricketer himself has yet to exercise his franchise.

"Due to busy cricketing schedule I could not spare time to vote in the past, but in future I will try and caste my vote," he said, answering a question.