(Top) A file picture of Parvez Alam along with Yuvraj Singh and the hair stylist at his parlour. Pictures by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Oct. 31: It is a dream come true for 27-year-old Ashiwini Barik and 28-year-old Parvez Alam.

They are hair stylists and their joy knows no bound, as they will be grooming the cricketers assembled in Cuttack.

Both the young hair stylists from Hair Life, a city-based parlour, have always been appreciated by cricketers for their remarkable service.

The Odisha Cricket Association has engaged both the hair stylists to look after the needs of the players, right from shaving, haircutting, trimming and even body massage. The duo has been constantly providing their service since 2007.

It was based on their performance during a Ranji Trophy match. Since then, both Ashwini and Parvez have been extending service to the international cricketers whenever Barabati hosts a match.

“We have been appreciated by Yuvraj Singh, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Irfan and Yusuf Pathan, Ambati Rayudu, Zaheer Khan, Virat Kohli and players from other countries such as Dwayne Bravo,” said Parvez.

Parvez, who hails from Bihar, has been working at the city-based saloon for the past 15 years.

He feels that no job is small and it is due to their profession that they are able to interact with the players and extend their service.

“The players are doing a service to the country and we are also serving them, which is a matter of great pride for us,” Parvez added.

Ashwini, who is a fan of Dhoni, recalls the day when the Indian skipper had handed him a memento after a match held in Cuttack in 2009.

The duo has collected autographs from a lot of players and they feel Virat Kohli has the potential of leading the Indian side well in the absence of Dhoni in the current series.

“The Team India players are very cordial and always have appreciated us for our work. It is only after the matches that they get a few minutes to talk to the players,” said Ashwini.