[Exclusive] I said 'Dhoni will smash me', Samson said ‘You’ll get him out’. Next day, I got him out: Fabid Ahmed

Fabid Farooque Ahmed is one of the few talents who has made cricket connoisseurs take notice of domestic talents. The 29-year-old had to let go of his umbilical cord, Kerala, and share ties with Pondicherry, foreseeing his cricketing future. He made his Ranji Trophy debut for Kerala in October 2015 and last played for the state in 2018. 

It is worth noting that the right-handed batter has played 28 First Class games and scored 1202 runs at an average of 41.44 with three centuries. With the ball, the right-arm off-break bowler has picked 41 wickets at an average of 25.90 with one fifer and four-fer. 

It was believed that Fabid’s birth town played a crucial role in getting him direct access to the Pondicherry team. The cricketer revealed that he switched allegiance due to lack of opportunities for him in Kerala. The bowling all-rounder recently led Mahe Megalo Strikers to a title win in Pondicherry Premier League 2024.

In an exclusive conversation with CricTracker, Fabid shared insights into his journey, friendships, and a sneak peek into his personal life. 

1. Why did you shift from Kerala to Pondicherry?

I moved to Pondicherry when I was 23. I was performing well for Kerala in age groups and everything. In 2014 or 2015, I made my debut for Kerala. I did decently well. But unfortunately, I was not getting matches after that. That’s when Pondicherry got affiliated with BCCI. So, I think I made a good decision to move to Pondicherry. It was just that I wanted to play more number of matches. 

2.  You have shared the dressing room with Sanju Samson. Share your experience.

Me and Sanju started playing for Kerala in age groups Under -13 and he was my captain (sic). The way he batted and the way he approached the game was different. When I made my Ranji Trophy debut, fortunately, he was the captain. Knowing him for such a long time, he is very friendly. He is very much there for everything. But he knows what to do when and where. 

3. You have dismissed Dhoni, Gambhir, and Yusuf Pathan in domestic matches. Whose wicket is the most special for you?

It would be MS Dhoni’s wicket and I have a reason for that. We were playing Vijay Hazare Tournament in Bangalore and I was part of [the Kerala team] at that time. And [it was one of] the world's smallest ground - Chinnaswamy Stadium, and that too when Dhoni bhai [had] just came back after playing the 2011 World Cup. So you know he's a hard hitter; he's a finisher, and I'm an off-spinner. 

Anybody will get scared of bowling to him. Fortunately, Sanju [Samson] was my room partner at that time. So, I was asking him the day before the game. 'Bro, I think he'll smash me around'. He said 'Don't worry bro, you will only get him [out]'. The next day I only got him. That was a wonderful moment. I think I was 17 or 18; that's the first wicket I got of an international player. And that took me to many IPL trials like Mumbai Indians and two other franchises as well.

4. With an impressive performance in the Pondicherry Premier League 2024, what do you think about your IPL 2025 chances?

As a player, I just see what is in front of me. I just perform however [well] I can. Things which are not in my control, [it] does not make any sense [for me to try and control those]. Hopefully, everything [will] fall into place. 

5. How satisfied are you with your performance in the Pondicherry Premier League 2024? And which knock or spell is your favorite from the season?

The first qualifier against the White Town Giants. It was a rain-interrupted game. When rain interrupted, they were about 45 in 5.2 overs. So, that’s when the umpires told the captains that it was an 8 eight-over game.... we got a target of 79 (DLS). I think that was the [most special] game, I scored 42 off 14 balls. That’s something that gives me goosebumps. Because we won the game and went to the finals. That’s the best knock. 

6. Where does Pondicherry Premier League stand among other state-based leagues like the Maharaja Trophy, Uttar Pradesh T20, Delhi’s DPL etc. in your eyes?

Pondicherry got affiliated (to BCCI) six years ago. If you are talking about the associations’ support and the initiative which they have taken is absolutely amazing. Everyone is watching [the matches] in their respective state or country. So, it is a very good platform for all of us to showcase what we are and what we are capable of. 

7. Do you believe in term ‘Late Bloomer’. Suryakumar Yadav made his India debut at 31. Do these instances fuel your dream of donning blue jersey? 

I think age is just a number. I am a guy who does not stop or leave anything easily. I will just keep on fighting and I will just keep on performing and we will see how it goes. And also being an athlete, everybody would agree that we will be having downfalls. I would say, it is just a learning. Every day is a learning for us and every day is a challenge for us. Hopefully, everything goes well. If you are consistent and hard-working enough, and be honest about yourself, you will get your reward.

8. Do you think Kerala's non-representation at IPL has hampered talents to showcase their skills?

Kerala has immense talent and the bench strength is getting further strengthened. I would say if you have a home IPL franchise where you can get into that easily, it would be nice. 

Free-Hit with Fabid

1. Assemble a best T20I cricketer by taking the skills of three different cricketers.

MS Dhoni, Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav. If I have to take a bowler’s name, I am a big fan of R Ashwin, so I will go with R Ashwin.

2. Which cricketer's phone call will you pick first: Sanju Samson, R Ashwin, MS Dhoni?

Sanju Samson, because we started playing Under-13 together. It's been 15-16 years now, so our rapport is good. He took four of us friends to Kandy during Asia Cup final and we were there for three days.

3. Your dream cricket ground?

In India, I liked playing at Wankhede Stadium. I want to play at Lord’s.

4. If you weren't a cricketer, what profession would you have pursued, and why?

I like singing. And I like to make videos. I go to some studios and record. Being an athlete you have ups and downs. So this singing helps me keep stable and gives me a lot of happiness. I have a social media page for the music itself.

5. Have you ever sledged or been sledged?

Yeah, many times. When I was part of Kerala, we were playing against Mumbai in KSCA tournament in Karnataka. Mumbai were batting first and I kind of sledged Suryakumar Yadav when I was young. When I came to bat, he came till the rope and have me a nice sledging walk I would say. From the start till the crease, he walked with me and gave me a nice sledge.

7. If you could play cricket with any player from the past, who would you choose?

Kapil Dev. He is also an all-rounder. Of course, he led the team to the World Cup and everything. My dad also told a lot of stories about cricket of the old generation, so I got inspired by his stories.

8. If you could switch lives with any cricketer for a day, who would it be?

R Ashwin.

9. If you could only eat one type of cuisine for the rest of your life, what would it be?

South Indian; and we had travelled to Punjab for games and I had Butter Chicken and I am a big fan of Butter Chicken. 

10. What's the most adventurous thing you've ever done or would like to do?

Sky Diving is on my bucket list. My family lives in Dubai and I was telling my brother that when I come next time I will do this.

11. Your favorite Movie/webseries?

I like Rockstar movie and the songs. 

12. The mobile app you use the most?

Instagram.