IPL 2021: There were tears of joy when Umran Malik was picked in SRH playing XI, says father Abdul

Umran Malik, a young cricketer from Jammu city has become an overnight sensation after making his debut in the IPL. The 21-year-old cricketer, who comes from a very humble background played his first IPL match on Sunday for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Son of a vegetable and fruit vendor, Umran Malik caught everyone’s attention after he bowled a delivery of 150 kmph speed. The speedster became an overnight hero in Jammu city with people thronging his residence to congratulate his parents.

The joy of Umran’s parents knows no bounds these days. His father Abdul Mallik who is a vegetable & fruit vendor got very emotional while speaking to India Today.”My son got inclined to cricket when he was just 3 years old. He always dreamt of becoming a professional cricketer. We were so happy when he was picked up in the playing XI by Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday. We were glued to TV and there were tears of joy in my and my wife’s eyes. My son has worked very hard. We always supported him. We hope that one day he plays for Team India,” said Abdul Malik, the speedster’s proud father while speaking to India Today.Since Umran Mallik made his IPL debut on Sunday, people can be seen visiting his father near Shaheedi Chowk in Jammu where he sells vegetables. People were even seen distributing sweets to celebrate the young cricketer’s feat.”It is not an ordinary achievement for us. We are from a poor family. I sell vegetables and fruits to make a living. My son has made me proud. Our joy knows no bounds. Even Lt Governor Sahib has congratulated us. I pray to Almighty that my son continues to excel in his career”, added Abdul Malik.The other family members too are on cloud nine. Expressing joy on Umran’s achievement, they exuded confidence that he would one day make it to Team India and make the nation proud.”We can’t even explain how happy we are. Umran has made all of us so proud. We have been flooded with congratulatory messages from people. Umran Mallik is a very hard working and disciplined boy. We now wish to see him playing for India. His IPL achievement will also inspire and encourage other youngsters to excel in sports”, said Nazir Ahmed Malik, Umran’s uncle.J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has also congratulated the young cricketer from Jammu.”Heartiest congratulations to Umran Malik on IPL debut today from the Sunrisers Hyderabad Team. You have made the entire Jammu Kashmir proud. You are the inspiration for many young cricketers. Best wishes for your cricket career ahead”, Office of J&K Lt Governor said in its tweet.”Umran Malik is a very talented cricketer. I have seen him practicing on the ground. He is a very hard working cricketer. We are very happy that he has made his debut in the IPL & impressed everyone by his bowling skills. He will definitely scale more heights in his career, if he continues to work with same dedication & zeal. We will continue to support him and work on honing his skills,” said Brig (Retd) Anil Gupta, Incharge, Administration, J&K Cricket Association.