Abid Bashir
Srinagar (NVI): Abdul Samad, who is just 18 years of age, was born and brought up in a remote border village of Jammu and Kashmir but that did not prevent him from dreaming big and working on his dreams.
Samad pursued his passion for cricket in the Kalakote village which is devoid of even the basic facilities like proper roads and potable drinking water and today made his parents, his village and Jammu and Kashmir proud as he was the only one to be selected from the Union Territory to play in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL).
He left for UAE to make his debut in prestigious cricket tournament which sees the world’s best players playing.
Kalakote is the remotest area of J&K’s border district of Rajouri that lacks basic facilities as it is close to the Line of Control. Lack of sports infrastructure and other facilities forced Samad’s father Farooq Ahmed to shift his residence from Kalakote to Jammu city’s Sidhra area, a few years ago, with a sole aim to ensure his son fulfils his dream of becoming a cricket star.
And today finally Samad’s hard work paid off as he is set to play for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in UAE where IPL is scheduled to be held in a few weeks’ time. The IPL was supposed to be held last year but had to be postponed in the wake global pandemic—Covid-19.
Samad’s father, Farooq Ahmed, a Physical Education Teacher in Jammu, said that had they stayed at Kalakote, his son would not have been able to achieve his goal. “Kalakote is a backward area where even public transport isn’t available and roads are in shambles. There is no internet connectivity let alone sports facilities,” he said. “A few years ago, I decided to shift my residence to Jammu city and that was the right decision.”
The village Kalakote has very less population of people as not more than 2000 people live there. There is a limited transport facility available. Located almost 40 kms away from the main district headquarter, Kalkote is remotest district of J&K with very minimal basic facilities available for the residents.
Samad after performing well in first class matches will now play for Sunrisers Hyderabad, who have already paid him his base price of Rs 20 Lakh in the auction in Kolkatta on December 19 last year.
Talking to NVI over phone from Jammu, Samad’s father Farooq said that since childhood his son was interested in Cricket. “I was also happy and satisfied to see him interested in cricket. I have myself been a player and a cricket lover,” said Farooq. “I am a master in physical education department and have represented J&K at many platforms. That’s the reason why Samad remained in touch with cricket since childhood. I kept on guiding him through whatever means I could.”
Samad has performed well wherever he got opportunity and averaged 74 in first class matches including two centuries and many fifties. “After me, Samad was trained by his coach Randhir Singh who explored his talent and today result is before us,” said Farooq.
After the IPL was postponed, Samad was a bit disappointed he was confident of making his IPL debut as he knew he had talent. “My son has always been confident. I too was sure that he would get an opportunity one day. Today he has made me proud,” said Farooq amid a smile on his face.
Samad has passed class 12 last year and during the Covid-19 triggered lockdown, he played cricket with his father and brother. “My son is now pursuing a Bachelor’s degree,” Farooq said.
About Samad making debut in IPL, Farooq said that all the family members were happy to heart about the news. “Now we are hopeful that he will perform well in the League,” he said.
Samad’s father also thanked former Cricketer Irfan Pathan for helping Samad at many levels that helped him to climb the ladder of success and grab the IPL opportunity.
Speaking to NVI, former Cricketer and J&K’s representative to BCCI Ranjeet Kalra said that he has been personally watching Samad playing cricket and is sure about his talent. “He is a very hard working and an extra ordinary talent,” Kalra said.
He said that Samad has proved his credentials in the last first class season. “He is a hard hitter of the ball and his known for fire brand batting, something very essential for IPL type of cricket,” said Kalra.
Samad has left for UAE today. Kalra said Samad owes his success to legendary cricketer Irfan Pathaan who nurtured him from time to time and J&K team’s skipper Parvez Rasool.
Rasool, an only international player in J&K said that Samad has a talent and he likes to play hard hitting cricket. “He has played with me and his confidence level is very high,” he said.
Samad is not the first player from J&K to play in the IPL. Before him, Parvaiz Rasool, Rasikh Salam, Mohammad Mudasir and Manzoor Pandav were picked up by teams, however, Mudasir and Pandav didn’t get any matches to play.
