Bangladesh advanced to the Asian Games semi-finals after rain washed out their quarter-final against Malaysia, denying Virandeep Singh a rare chance to face a Test-playing nation. In an exclusive interview with Shajedul Islam Rahin of TIMES, the former Malaysian skipper and record POM holder in T20Is, Virandeep discussed the disappointment of not playing against Test nations and challenges of associate cricket.
Cricket is not the most popular sport in Malaysia. How did your career start as a cricketer?
Of course, cricket is not the number one sport in Malaysia. But today, there are more kids playing the game, and more people following it in Malaysia.
When I was in primary school, we had to pick a sport. My father had played a little bit of cricket, and he encouraged me to pick cricket. That’s how my cricketing journey started.
You were given the captaincy at just 20 years of age. Did that responsibility help you grow as a cricketer, or was it a big challenge at such a young age?
It helped me grow as a cricketer. Captaincy teaches you how to prioritise your team ahead of your own interest. You can have a bad day, but you’re still forced to be strong for your teammates. I wouldn’t say it was a challenge. I have the nature of a leader.
Who is your cricketing idol?
At the moment, it’s Tim David. I love the way he goes about it. Tim David played for Singapore, so I played against him. For an associate cricketer, if you want to change your life, you have to play the way Tim David plays.
You have spent a large part of your international career playing alongside your brother, Pavandeep Singh. How much does having a family member in the same team help you?
Playing with my brother, Pavan, makes a big difference. You can always discuss every single game you play with one another. You always want to get feedback from people around you, right? No one better to get it from than your brother.
You became the first T20I cricketer to score 3,000 runs and take 100 wickets. You also have 24 Player of the Match awards and made it into the IPL auction shortlist. Do you think these achievements have changed how people see Malaysian cricket?
I don’t know whether those specific achievements changed the broader perception of Malaysian cricket. However, competing in global franchise leagues has undeniably had a positive impact. Sharing my experiences and time alongside high-profile players on social media resonates well with supporters, and upon returning, people frequently inquire about the insights I have gained.
Being involved in the IPL auction significantly raised the profile of Malaysian cricket, given India’s profound passion for the sport.
Shakib Al Hasan was your opponent in franchise cricket, while you recently played alongside Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Nurul Hasan Sohan. Do you have any special memories of them?
Shakib was my opponent in GT20 in Canada. I remember one incident. I stepped out and hit Shakib for a six. Before that ball, I stepped out and took a single, and saw that he wasn’t too happy with me using my feet (smiles).
I had a really good time with Mehidy and Sohan in the Lanka Premier League, especially with Sohan. I had a really good time talking to him.
Would you like to play in the Bangladesh Premier League?
Who wouldn’t like to play in the BPL? I’ve seen how passionate the fans are over there. I would love to be in the BPL one day. Hopefully, this interview can help (smiles).
Your social media post went viral after you revealed that you were literally in your towel when you learned that the Asian Games quarter-final against Bangladesh had been cancelled. What exactly happened that morning, and how did you feel?
Actually, the game was scheduled to be at 2:00 pm local time. I was in the shower at 9:30 am, and by the time I came out, I was in my towel as I checked my phone. They sent a message saying the match had been cancelled. So, of course, it was very disappointing. It’s sad because we rarely get opportunities against Test-playing nations, and this was one of our best opportunities.
If we had played good cricket against Bangladesh, it would have boosted our confidence for the future. It’s the exposure that we missed out on, not just the medal. So yeah, very disappointed, very sad, but there’s nothing we can do about it.
You ended that post by saying, “Associate cricket is tough, lol.” What are the biggest struggles that fans may not see, particularly when it comes to funding, facilities and opportunities to play against stronger teams?
It is really tough. Due to little funding, none of us can play cricket on a full-time basis. Maintaining two jobs is our biggest challenge. Another thing is that many leagues have less faith in associate cricketers. I don’t blame them for that.
But to make ourselves noticed, it is important for us to play more matches against teams like Bangladesh. Only then will people notice you and say that you’re a product of the highest level.
If you had the chance to speak directly to ICC decision-makers, what is the biggest change you would ask for to help associate nations like Malaysia compete at a higher level?
First of all, I would increase the number of teams in the T20 World Cup. I believe that the shorter the format, the more the element of luck comes in. Take Nepal for example, how they almost beat South Africa in the last T20 World Cup.
In the T20 World Cup, there should be at least 24 teams. If you give us chances in three to four World Cups, I believe some associate nations will turn out to be giants one day.
