Mohammed Siraj, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) pacer, left fans and cricket enthusiasts emotional after dedicating his Player of the Match award to late Hyderabad cricketer Abdul Azeem. Siraj’s remarkable bowling performance of 4/21 played a crucial role in RCB’s win against PBKS.
Azeem, a renowned Hyderabad stalwart, passed away on Tuesday, April 18, at the age of 62 after a prolonged illness. He played 73 first-class matches between 1980 to 1995, scoring 4644 runs at an average of 43.40, with 12 hundreds and 18 half-centuries. His highest score of 303* will always be remembered as a significant contribution to Indian cricket.
“Dear Azeem Sir, I will always appreciate what you have done for me and many others like me,” he said. “You were so generous, kind, and helpful. I wish I had one more last chance to meet you, but I’d like to dedicate today’s POTM award to you”, Siraj tweeted.
Siraj’s dedication towards Azeem is a testimony to the bond shared between cricketers and their mentors. His gesture is a reminder of the selfless service and impact that coaches, mentors, and guides can have on a player’s life and career.
The heartfelt tribute by Siraj has left fans touched and reminded them of the importance of valuing the contributions of coaches and mentors in the lives of players. The bond shared between players and their guides is an integral part of the sport and adds to the beauty of the game.