Syed Abdullah is a USA cricketer who mainly plays in jersey number 33. In his professional career, he has established himself as one of the most talented players. He is indeed a gem to his team.
As a result of his growing success, people are intrigued to know more about the personal details of the fearsome striker. So, follow along and learn six remarkable facts about the cricketer in the following subtitles below.
6. Syed Is Pakistani
Playing for the US team, Syed is not an American. He was born Abdullah Nooran Syed in Pakistan on September 30, 1989. Unfortunately, the information about Syed Abdullah’s parents and siblings remains a mystery.
In 2002, Syed Abdullah, then a 13-year-old kid, emigrated to the US from Pakistan. Interestingly, he had never played cricket before arriving in the United States but was very interested in cricket, so he pursued his career in this field.
5. Did Not Start Easily
After immigrating to the US, his family settled in New York. His cousin had a passion for the sport, so he was encouraged to get involved. As a result, he, along with his brothers, Bilal Shah and Waqas, made a drive of over 2 hours in each direction on the Subway from Brooklyn to Queens to participate in a cricket development program.
As a result of Syed’s natural ability as a batsman, he was selected for a United States U15 squad to play a series of matches in the Cayman Islands in 2005. But unfortunately, when he arrived at JFK to join the team, he was informed that he could no longer travel with the team since he needed more papers.
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Supported by his family, Syed’s father hurriedly drove his son to Manhattan to obtain the necessary permits to save him from missing the flight. But unfortunately, it was too late.
4. His Father’s Words Became His Mantra
After he could not join the team due to papers-related issues, Syed’s father undoubtedly felt incredibly disappointed. However, he gave him some words of encouragement that would serve as a source of inspiration for him whenever times were difficult.
Syed’s father stated keep your head up; you’ll be a major player someday. This motivational speech from his father’s mouth inspired him and became his mantra.
3. Syed Has Been Given A Nickname
Although he could not play in the national team, in the neighborhood cricket, Syed had established himself as legendary amongst his pals for his ability to run over opponents while playing full-contact football without helmets or pads.
As a result, Abdullah was given his moniker Tank. The nickname Tank means a man who is big and strong. Furthermore, along with being a great player, Syed is a good teammate and a sportsman.
2. Struggled To Get On The Team
Inspired by his dad’s words, Syed began honing bowling attacks in neighborhood cricket. But, although his reputation as a dangerous ball striker practically became legendary in New York and the surrounding states, selectors never came calling.
Likewise, Abdullah attended the ICC Americas combine in 2016, held at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. He was the most effective batsman on display in tricky batting conditions. However, no matter how well he played, he was again overlooked.
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1. The Most Awaited Call Finally Came
Despite not getting any team callings, the talented cricketer never gave up. The long-anticipated call finally came in September 2016, all thanks to his aggressive strokeplay for a New York XI against a touring Marylebone Cricket Club. The USA coach, Pubudu Dassanayake, invited him to a national team camp, where he scored against USA’s frontline bowlers, earning selection for the first time in the squad playing for the ICC WCL Division Four and Auty Cup in LA.
Lets goo boys lets get these Ws go team 🇺🇸 https://t.co/pVWMn3WQvF
— Syed Abdullah (@syedabdullah33) March 12, 2019
In the few opportunities Syed has had so far, he has struggled to make a big score, but a strong 68 off 44 balls against the CPL‘s St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots gave us a peek at what he might be capable of at a higher level.
Overall, Syed Abdullah must be living a comfortable life with his family. We wish him the best for his upcoming competitions and hope he reveals more about his personal and professional life to the public media.