Title: Bopara: I could never feel threatened in India

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Kings XI Punjab player Bopara on arrival in Chandigarh on Saturday, Bopara denied that he was ever afraid of traveling to India, and insisted that he could never be in fear at 'home'.

"I can never feel being in danger in India. I never meant what was written in the media. This is my home and I am very happy being here, and I can promise (that) to all the Kings XI Punjab supporters," Bopara said.

It has been less than a week since England batsman Ravi Bopara was quoted as saying by a British daily that cricket wasn't worth dying for, with regard to his participation in the third edition of the Indian Premier League for his side Kings XI Punjab.


It has been 14 years since Bopara visited Phagwara - his ancestral village - which is 140 kms from Chandigarh, and a visit to his paternal grandparents home is also on the agenda.

"I remember climbing up the roof-top of our house in Phagwara and watching birds and kites in the sky. The narrow and dusty lanes with a few people around set a peaceful atmosphere. I liked being there. I will soon organise a trip to Phagwara. My grandparents and my parents are very keen on seeing me play for Kings XI Punjab in front of the Punjabi fans. I hope to get some good scores here and make them proud. I will invite them for the games" Bopara, whose parents migrated to England in 1970s, added.

Growing up in England, Bopara progressed from playing for local teams to eventually land a contract with Essex county, which was also former England skipper Nasser Hussain's side - Bopara's role model. After playing for the England under-19 team, Bopara finally made his entry into the national squad.

"With a strong cricket-frenzy Asian base in England, I was naturally inclined towards cricket. Nasser Hussian was a role model to me. In fact, I joined his father's indoor cricket academy in Ilford. Asians in England are highly appreciated for their cricketing talent. In the years to come, I'm sure more Asians will play for England. Asian cricketers are highly respected and there is great camaraderie between the Asian and British communities in England."

 

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