Nothing is bigger than wearing national colours: Umran Malik’s father Abdul Rashid rejoices India call-up
India Today
Tearaway Jammu pacer Umran Malik was called up in India’s T20I squad for the South Africa series based on his exceptional season in the Indian Premier League.
SunRisers Hyderabad pacer Umran Malik was awarded a national call up based on his exploits in the Indian Premier League. After picking up 22 wickets in the first full season, Umran was given a chance in India’s 18-man squad for the South Africa series, scheduled to start from June 9.
The call-up was on the expected lines. However, emotions still poured out of Umran’s father - Abdul Rashid. A fruitseller in Jammu, Rashid got to know the news via his phone notification and beamed in pride after coming to terms with what had happened.
"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.
"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 said.
"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 further added.
As India build their team for the T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted later this year in Australia, it is highly probable that Umran might get a chance to play next month.
"We just want him to make the country proud with his performances. Nothing else matters for us," Rashid said.
