Mohammed Siraj Offered Option To Fly Back After Father's Demise But He Decided To Stay: BCCI
Published - 21 Nov 2020, 10:16 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:37 AM

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released an official statement after the death of fast-bowler Mohammed Siraj’s father Mohammed Ghouse. The India star’s ailing father passed away, at the age of 53, on Friday.
The BCCI, in its statement, paid its condolence before revealing that Mohammed Siraj was offered the option of flying back to India and be with his bereaved family. However, the right-arm pacer decided against it and would continue his preparation for the series Down Under.
“The fast bowler has decided to stay with the Indian contingent and continue performing his national duties. The BCCI shares his grief and will be supportive of Siraj in this extremely challenging phase.
“The BCCI requests the media to accord Siraj and his bereaved family members their space and privacy,” added the statement.

Mohammed Ghouse was suffering from a lung ailment. His health deteriorated while his son was playing in IPL 2020 in the UAE. Ghouse was hospitalised while the tournament was on in the UAE. At that time too, Mohammed Siraj had put up a brave face and continued playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Midway during the competition, he received a India call-up after a long period. He received his maiden call-up from the Test team. India are scheduled to play three ODIs, three T20Is and four Tests in Australia.