Mohammed Shami, who is currently in the UAE to play Indian Premier League(IPL) for Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), hasn’t met her daughter Aira in past few months because of the COVID-19 enforced lockdown.
In the recent interaction with PTI, Shami got emotional — and said that he misses Aira because he hasn’t met her for some time. Her daughter lives with his wife Hasin Jahan. The couple doesn’t live together since their rift became public in Indian media after Shami’s wife claimed of facing domestic violence.
“I could not meet her during the lockdown. She is growing up fast. I miss her a lot,” Shami told PTI.
Talking about the extended break, India’s bowling mainstay Mohammed Shami, said that he was busy doing social work during the five-month break from cricket. He was living in his farmhouse and kept practising to maintain his rhythm.
“For me, it never felt like a lockdown; it just flew away. We were busy since morning arranging food, running six kitchens and in the evening I was back at practice. I am really thankful to the administration and people who helped us,” he said.
We can play without the crowd: Mohammed Shami
Although it’s fans that cheer the players, Mohammed Shami believes that this time it’s the players’ responsibility to cheer the people as everyone is going through tough situations. He hopes that their game will entertain the fans in the upcoming season.
“It feels great when people cheer us from the stadium, but in the current scenario when that is not possible, it’s our responsibility to cheer them up, people who are battling a difficult time.
“We can at least do that to our fans. For one season, we can play without the crowd, I don’t think there would be an issue,” Shami added.
Meanwhile, IPL 2020 is set to being from 19th September with the match between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. But KXIP will play their first match against Delhi Capitals on 20th September.