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Mother’s biryani awaits Irfan

By Abhishek Roy, IANS

Vadodara : There was no hustle and bustle at the Pathan residence Tuesday as younger son Irfan arrived in his hometown with the Indian cricket team for the fifth One-day International against Australia Thursday.

Mother Shamim Banoo was busy with her chores in the house while father Mehmood Khan Pathan was at the Jama Masjid. Irfan’s elder brother Yusuf was busy practising with the Baroda cricket team at the historical Motibaug ground.

But amidst all there was a feel good factor in the Pathan’s residence.

“It is a great feeling to see your son coming back victorious. We are just counting the hours and waiting for him come home,” an impatient Banoo told IANS.

“But I will get to see my son only tomorrow. I will be preparing biryani, which is his favourite dish,” said Irfan’s mother, who is keeping a fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Banoo said the good times have returned for the family after the two brothers were picked for India’s Twenty20 team that won the inaugural World Championship in South Africa last month.

Irfan was sent back midway from the tour of South Africa last December after he lost his form. But the player fought his way into the side for the limited overs World Cup in the West Indies earlier this year and was selected for the Twenty20 side – where Yusuf also joined him.

The Pathan brothers earned a rare distinction in a World Championship after they became the first siblings to represent India in the Twenty20 format. Irfan and Yusuf also became the eighth pair of siblings to be selected for India in international cricket – after a gap of almost 29 years.

“It was a horrible time for us when he was sent back home. But I am proud of my sons that they have made us feel good again,” said Banoo.

Irfan’s father Mehmood, however, was not present and was found with his old friends in the by-lanes of the Jama Masjid, which till a few months ago was the Pathan family’s address.

“Everyone here in the masjid is eagerly waiting for my son to come for the Iftar,” Mehmood said.