The first ever cricketer from Jammu region of J&K to get a place in Indian Premier League (IPL) side, Abdul Samad has set his sights on to prove his talent to the World.
The talented 18-year old cricketer who plays for J&K Ranji trophy team said that IPL is platform for him to prove his talent and make a way forward.
“IPL is platform, a big stage through which I can prove my talent and show what I have got,” Samad said.
Samad was recently picked up by IPL franchisee Sunrisers Hyderabad for it on a base price of rupees 20 lakhs. He became only fifth ever cricketer from J&K to get picked up in the IPL team while as only two have actually played in the league. Mohammad Mudhasir, Parvez Rasool, Manzoor Pandav and Rasikh Salam were the other four who got picked up by teams while as only Parvez and Rasikh got a match to play. Apart from that Abdul Samad is only till date from Jammu region of J&K to get picked.
About his reaction when he got picked up by the Sunrisers Hyderabad during the auction, Samad said, “Can’t explain the moment and excitement when the name popped up for the bid and then being shown as sold. It is dream of every modern day cricketer to play in IPL and show World what you have got. Many put their names in the auction list and only few get picked up.
In that regard it is really a big achievement”.
Asked about Hyderabad picking him up instead of Mumbai Indian’s Samad said that the trials with Hyderabad had went better than Mumbai.
“I was hoping that both the sides will bid then as I had mentioned it earlier in Mumbai we were not able to do much as rain washed first full day. With Hyderabad everything went all-right and my trial with them was better than Mumbai. So there is not any major surprise in Hyderabad going for me instead of Mumbai,” he said.
On a day when IPL auction was about to begin in Kolkatta , Abdul Samad played a match winning blazing knock of 78 runs that was studded with three sixes for J&K in Ranji trophy tournament against Maharashtra. Samad says that the knock at right moment may have helped his cause as well.
“I definitely think it also helped my cause and it must have stuck into the minds of thinkers who are in every team. They watch everything and notice everything. They have checklist and keep track of those players. I had no intention of playing such quick knock but situation demanded such and as I was losing partners at the other end I went after bowlers,” 18-year old all-rounder said.
About the credit of his milestone after milestone in cricket he said, “I want to give credit to Irfan Pathan and Parvez Rasool who have been guiding players like me. They back us and boost our confidence to excel at big stage and prove our talent. They help you at each level and help you to rectify mistakes and come good if you are making them. Even when you fail to perform they back you up to do well in next inning or match. I also like to thank my coach Randeep Manhas of Jammu who has been training me from young age”.