‘I dedicate all my games to my mum. She passed away last year so this World Cup is for her.’ Simon fondly remembers his dear mother, as he thanks his family for their support in the lead up to the World Cup games. This is the first time he will be travelling out of the country since his mum passed away, however, he will play in her honor, with all his games dedicated to her. Growing up in Hanuabada, Simon started off in the Under 12 division, modestly revealing ‘it all started there.’ He’s been with the Barras for three years, and fortunately enough all hard work and sacrifice has paid off, as he anticipates the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Apart from winning, he’s looking forward to learning from first-class cricket players. ‘If we do make it to the Super12, I’m going to ask as many questions as I can to the first-class players from countries like Australia and India,’ Simon said. This wouldn’t be the first time he’s met first-class cricketers though. He’s met Mark Waugh and Nathan Reardon, and he’ll never forget what Nathan taught him: Time is money; use it wisely. For Simon, he doesn’t have to look far for inspiration, as he points out his captain as one of his role models. ‘Just like me, Assad’s a left-handed batsman and he’s great at his game.’ Cricket has taken him places, literally. Wishing to visit Dubai again after his last tour in 2019, the young batsman hopes to get another glimpse of the Burj Khalifa and the city’s rapidly emerging manmade structures. When he’s away from home his team is his second family. And that’s one thing that Simon is truly grateful for. This skilled Hanuabada fisherman/cricketer adds that cricket has instilled values that no other sport can. He is proof of that. ‘Cricket is a life-changing game. You will learn things that you wouldn’t learn anywhere else.’