Mohali-born Simmi Singh in Ireland squad

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 22

Disappointed with the way the game was being managed in the city, young cricketer Simmi Singh, on persistence of a friend, left for Ireland in 2005-06 to pursue his dream of playing at the highest level. And 13 years later, the Mohali-born all-rounder is likely to face the country of his origin in a T20 international.  

“I always wished to see him play for India. Even, he wanted to be a part of the Indian cricket team. Nevertheless, it’s a proud moment for our family,” said Amarjit Singh Bathlana after his son Simmi Singh was included in the Ireland squad, which is scheduled to play two T20I matches against India, starting June 27.  

“He represented Chandigarh at the U-14 and U-17 level. He was the highest scorer for the team and was also awarded for his achievement. But then he was dejected with the way the sport was being handled by the local authorities and even thought of quitting. It was on the persistence of his friend that he went to Ireland and it is really great to see him make it to the Irish team,” he recalled.    

Bathlana informed that his son was approached by the Old Belvedere Cricket Club, and it was there he started playing serious cricket. “He improved as a cricketer there. It was at the club that he learnt the art of spin bowling to add up to his batting prowess,” he said. 

Simmi made his ODI debut for Ireland in May, last year, while he played his first T20I for the country early this month.