India’s pacemaker Mohammed Shami, who will be performing for Kings XI Punjab at IPL 2020, starting on September 19 in the UAE, got excited as he spoke about his daughter Aira, who is staying with his ex-wife Hasin Jahan.
Shami said she very much misses her daughter, whom she has not known for some time due to the confinement.
“I couldn’t meet her during the confinement. She is growing fast. I miss her so much, ”Shami told PTI.
Shami was training at his home field during the running of the bulls and after a practice match on Thursday, he feels like everyone is getting back on track.
“It has been a long time since we played cricket. Everyone is happy as children in a candy store after returning to the sport they love the most. We had a practice match on Thursday, I had no problem. Everybody is getting back on track. I didn’t feel much of a difference (while bowling on my farm), ”Shami added.
Shami, who had been fairly moderate between the 2013 and 2018 IPL, had an exceptional season in 2019, picking up 19 wickets with an average of 24.68. Shami has a total of 40 wickets in IPL, the most in the current KXIP squad.
Shami also recalled the months of confinement, serving poor migrants near his home in Sahaspur, Uttar Pradesh, establishing food distribution centers with the help of his friend Umesh.
“For me, it never felt like a confinement; it just flew away. We were busy from the morning fixing the food, managing six kitchens and at night I went back to practice. I am very grateful to the administration and the people who helped us, ”he said.
The right-hand closer admitted that he will miss playing in front of large crowds, but also added that it is the responsibility of cricketers like him to return smiles in these difficult times.
“It feels very good when people cheer us on from the stadium, but in the current scenario, when that is not possible, it is our responsibility to cheer them on, people who are struggling through a difficult time.
“At least we can do that to our fans. For a season, we can play without the crowd, I don’t think there is a problem, ”added Shami.
KXIP will kick off its 2020 IPL campaign against Delhi Capitals on September 20 in Dubai.
(With PTI inputs)
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