Ali's Second Innings

August 06, 2001 00:00 IST Ali's Second Innings -0001-11-30T00:00:00+05:53

Two decades after quitting his job at the State Bank of Hyderabad and migrating to the US with his wife and son, Syed Abid Ali's passion for cricket remains undiminished. "I came to the US essentially to get my kids educated. I was a certified coach in India, but there were no cricket academies around in those days," says Ali, 59. But Ali's not regretting his decision now.

Even an open heart surgery in 1985 didn't deter him from chasing his passion—coaching. His efforts at promoting the game in the valley have now borne fruit—Ali is the US national team coach for the upcoming 24-nation icc tournament in Toronto.

Fondly called "Sir" by local players, age, Ali says, has got nothing to do with his passion for the game—he's seen more on the pitch than anywhere else, either offering tips to eager aspirants or simply chatting cricket.

His eyes twinkle with pride when he sees his son, 26-year old Syed Faaquer Ali (Sid for his friends), play the game. "Sid was six years old when we came to the US. None of his friends played cricket then. Frustrated, he...