Playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), Umran Malik impressed one and all with his fiery pace. He consistently bowled over the 150 kmph mark in the cash-rich league.
The 22-year-old featured in all 14 league matches for SRH, claiming 22 wickets at an economy rate of 9.03. He hurled the fastest delivery – 157 kmph – in the IPL 2022 season as well.
Thanks to his IPL exploits, Umran Malik on Sunday (May 22) received his maiden call-up to the senior Indian team for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa at home.
Umran's father Abdul Rashid is over the moon after the selection of his son in the national side and found it difficult to express his feelings.
"People were just coming in hoards to congratulate me. I am now going home and would join the celebrations. Just saw the news on internet. What could be a bigger achievement than to wear the national colours," Rashid told PTI in an exclusive chat.
"He has made all of us proud with his performances in the IPL and the way the whole country rallied behind him, we as a family can only be thankful. Pura desh ke support mila mere Umran ko," he added.
Being the parents, Rashid and his wife have had their share of sacrifices in Umran’s journey so far but the father feels his son deserves all the credit for his hard work.
"Umran had self belief that one day he will achieve success. He had faith in his skill and talent and worked hard for it. It is completely his success and also Almighty's blessings. He worked hard and God supported him. I don't deserve credit for his hard work," he said.
For Abdul Rashid, Umran's journey starts now and he wants his son to represent India for a long time.
"Now, I want him to work even harder and perform well for the country. He needs to focus on playing for India for a long time."
Rashid said they always supported Umran Malik and never put any restrictions on him.
"He is our only son (apart from two daughters), so we (me and my wife) always gave him lot of love and indulgence. We never had any apprehensions that playing cricket could be risky.
"We have always kept Umran happy and we never made him realise that there are hardships. Whatever he wished for, he got it. More than me, my wife is his biggest supporter."
Rashid now wants his son to make the country proud and expressed his wish to cheer for his son from the stands.
"We just want him to make the country proud with his performances. Nothing else matters for us. The day he makes his debut, me and his mom will be in the stands to cheer him,” he concluded.
(With PTI inputs)
