IPL 2021: I Sell Vegetables And Fruits To Make A Living; My Son Has Made Me Proud - Says Umran Malik's Father After The Pacer's SRH Debut

Umran Malik, the 21-year-old speedster from Jammu, made a memorable IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday against the Kolkata Knight Riders. He delivered the fastest ball by an Indian pacer in IPL 2021, recording a speed of 151.03 kph.

Umran Malik is the son of a vegetable and fruit vendor, Abdul Malik. His father was very emotional and proud while speaking about his son’s journey to the IPL. Abdul Malik said he and his wife had tears seeing their son getting picked to play in the IPL. He hopes that the pacer will someday play for India as well.

“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,” Abdul Malik told India Today.

My son has made me proud – Abdul Malik

While Umran Malik went wicketless in his maiden IPL outing, he was noticed by everyone for his raw pace, and is touted to be the next big thing in Indian cricket, adding to the riches of the pace-bowling department.

Since the youngster made his IPL debut on Sunday, people have been visiting his father near Shaheedi Chowk in Jammu where he sells vegetables. Sweets were distributed to celebrate the pacer’s achievement.

Abdul Malik remained extremely proud of his son for making a name for himself at the higher level of cricket.

“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,” he added.