‘Huge thing for Kashmir that SRH retained me and Umran Malik,’ says Abdul Samad

All-rounder Abdul Samad has offered his thanks towards Sunrisers Hyderabad subsequent to being chosen as one of the three retained players ahead of the IPL 2022 auction.

Besides Abdul Samad, the franchise opted to hold their skipper Kane Williamson and quick bowling sensation Umran Malik.

Abdul Samad has shared what these retention calls mean for the territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He has been a part of the state’s homegrown cricket structure since 2019, while Umran Malik got through a year ago.

Abdul Samad and Umran Malik are the fourth and fifth players individually from Jammu and Kashmir to play in the IPL.

“It is a huge thing for Kashmir that SRH retained me and Umran Malik, both uncapped players, have been retained.” said Abdul Samad.

“We talk on a daily basis, and he was telling me that it would be great if we end up on the same team. We are like brothers. There will be a lot of responsibility on us.”

Abdul Samad likewise conceded that he was hoping to be held by the franchise.

“Yes, I was expecting to be retained but there were many big players the franchise could have retained,” he said. “It is a very huge thing for me that they have shown such faith. Can’t describe the feeling I had when I found I was getting retained.”