Mumbai: Nepal's 21-year-old wicketkeeper Aasif Sheikh has earned great praise and appreciation for refusing to run out Ireland’s Andy McBrine, who fell mid-pitch after colliding with the bowler while running a single.
In the recent Oman Quadrangular T20I series involving Ireland and Nepal saw a sporting gesture as Sheikh gave McBrine a reprieve even though the batter was well short of the crease when the wicketkeeper collected the ball.
"Actually, the batsman was running in his own line and our bowler accidentally got crashed into him but then I decided not to run him out", Aasif Sheikh, speaking exclusively over the telephone from Oman, said.
"I have been playing cricket for many years and the only thing I have learnt is to play fair cricket, no matter if we win or lose. For us, the results don't really matter, we will play fair cricket in any situation".
There are altogether six in his family and his elder brother (Md Aarif Sheikh) also plays for the national team.
"Our parents have played the most vital role in our cricket journey. It would not have been possible without their support. They gave us everything we needed. We were not that financially strong but somehow they managed to provide us with a cricket kit so that we could focus on our game", Aasif Sheikh signed off.
