'We wanted to leave when Sachin got out'

Ecstatic parents of Zaheer Khan describe their tense moments in stadium during World Cup final

They are one thrilled parents, and why not? After all, their ward was part of the team that ensured India was the indisputable world champions in cricket.


Proud parents: Zaheer Khan

Zaheer Khan's parents Bakhtiyaar and Zatiya Khan are busy receiving congratulatory messages from relatives and friends alike, while their son still basks in the glory of victory.


Parents Bakhtiyar and Zatiya Khan talk about their son's performance
in the fina. Pic/Jignesh Mistry

Stadium madness
Sitting at ZK's the two just can not stop smiling. You mention the World Cup final and their eyes dilate with fond remembrance. "We wanted to leave the stadium after Sachin Tendulkar got out," said Bakhtiyaar Khan, who spent some nervous moments in the stadium. "Soon after the match I started crying. People around us were making so much noise that we couldn't hear the next person. It was worth seeing. When we were returning there were so much madness on the street; I just can' describe the moment."

No celebrations
Zaheer's parents are, however, bit disappointed that their could not celebrate their son's achievement back home in the city. "He just couldn't come back here because he is playing the IPL which is starting in a couple of days. Soon after the final, the team had to attend the President's dinners and had quite a few meetings," said his father.u00a0 His father said Zaheer was very much a part of Mumbai. "The local people wanted to see him and it is there where his life belongs," said Bakhtiyaar.

Ghar ka khaana
When Zaheer returns he will have a scrumptious 'ghar ka khana' waiting for him. "He loves biryani, dal-chawal, sabji, sabudana kichdi, bhajia and poha," said his mother Zatiya.u00a0

After being the leading wicket-taker at the World Cup, the expectation to perform for the Royal Challengers Bangalore has exceeded even further. His father pointed out that IPL was enjoyment and entertainment, while the World Cup was more about the prestige of the country.

The fast bowler in the past has been in the news for injuries and for being out-of-form. But that's not a matter of botheration for his parents who like to keep cricket talk to the minimum at home. "I haven't ever spoken to him about form. We do not talk about cricket at home. We just ask him what's the health problem he is facing? If he is fit or not?" his father said.