Hardly a month is left for the 3-test match series between India and Australia, starting on February 23, and ahead of this tournament, Indian pacer Mohd Shami, who is spending his time to get fit for the same, has been struck by a heart-wrenching news from his family.
Unfortunately, Shami’s father Tausif Ali passed away in Delhi on January 27 due to a cardiac arrest. He was hospitalised a few days back but couldn’t survive the heart attack. The sad part was, Shami couldn’t attend his family while his father was counting his last breath as he was under a fitness program in Bangalore’s National Cricket Academy. The family not only went through a loss but an ailing father couldn’t see his son during his last moment as well.
Mohd. Shami’s brother Asif, in an interview given to a sports website, said that their father fell ill in Moradabad at their residence and was later referred to a hospital in Delhi for treatment. Earlier this month, Shami visited his home but he had to leave for his fitness program. The family members though insisted him to stay back but his duties towards the nation didn’t let him stay and he left.
“He was very sad when he (Shami) heard about father but I know the reason he denied to stay and went Bangalore. The country needs him in the upcoming game and I’m sure that he will do extremely well. India is not less than a father to my brother and he cannot let off his duties,” said Shami’s brother, Asif Ali.
After this incident, Shami has not appeared publicly or made any statement in media. His brother also said that Shami might be thinking that he would have stayed back but he took the appropriate decision.
“Abbu always supported him and his game. If he would have been alive, he would also have said the same thing. Our father was a cricket fan and Wasim Akram was his favourite. We will miss him, especially Bhai, because whenever he was disturbed, Abbu only consoled him every time,” said Asif.
Asif also told in the interview that their father always backed Shami to play cricket. He also used to take the Indian pacer to the practice sessions so that he could make his family and country proud.
Mohd. Shami was ruled out from the ongoing test series against England due to injuries. So, ahead of the upcoming series, Shami went to NCA, Bangalore to get fit as soon and possible and be available for the selection.
