Parents to bat for Pathan in Lahore

Their dream to cheer their son from the stands as he makes short work of Pakistan’s batting line-up is all set to come true. Medium pac...

Their dream to cheer their son from the stands as he makes short work of Pakistan’s batting line-up is all set to come true. Medium pacer Irfan Pathan’s parents may soon be in Lahore if their visas come through.

The couple is scheduled to leave from Delhi on Saturday to watch Irfan in action in the second Test which begins on April 5. Irfan’s mother Shamimbanu said they had been keen to visit Pakistan ever since their son was named in the playing XI. ‘‘We have applied for visa and are hopeful of seeing Irfan in action,’’ she said.

The only thing worrying Shamimbanu is that she won’t be able to carry Irfan’s favourite biryani to Pakistan. ‘‘I can’t carry cooked biryani from here. But once he comes back, he will get lots of it,’’ she adds.

Though all excited about the proposed trip to Pakistan, Shamimbanu wishes her children could also accompany them. Shagufta, Irfan’s sister, will not be able to make it to Lahore as she doesn’t have a passport and also has her exams from April 7.

Said Shamimbanu: ‘‘My elder son and Irfan’s brother, Yusuf, would have also liked to accompany us but as somebody has to stay at home to manage the affairs of the masjid and take care of Shagufta, he will have to give the Pakistan tour a miss.’’

Yusuf is happy for his parents, ‘‘From the day Irfan’s name figured in the playing XI, my parents desperately wanted to go to Pakistan.’’

This will be the family’s maiden visit abroad. ‘‘My parents haven’t decided whether they will stay on for the final match at Rawalpindi,’’ Yusuf said. Despite the uncertainty over visas, the Pathans have already started shopping for their tour.