Published: Feb 08, 2016, 01:14 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 08, 2016, 01:14 PM (IST)
IPL auctions have changed lives and South African all-rounder Chris Morris was bought by Delhi Daredevils on Saturday for an amount of INR 7 crores. This made him the second most expensive overseas player bought this season after Australia’s Shane Watson.
Mid-Day spoke to Morris’ father William, popularly known as Willie, is a former First-Class cricketer himself, who played for Northern Transvaal. The senior Morris told from Centurion, “He was first bought by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for a big amount (INR 4.2 crores). That was also a shock and then, Rajasthan Royals. It (the latest price) was a nice shock if you want to put it that way.” Also Read: IPL 9 auction summary: The good, the bad and the big gainers
Back in 2013, when Morris fetched INR 4.2 crores from CSK, he had said, “I have never in my life seen this much money.”
Morris will play alongside fellow South Africans Quinton de Kock, Imran Tahir, JP Duminy, Albie Morkel, etc. for DD. Despite being a millionaire now, Willy says his son has not changed much.
“I wouldn’t say life has changed much. We are still the same people, the same family. I have always tried to instill in Christopher the fact that he must keep his feet on the ground and just be humble because it’s a blessing to be bought and be paid so much money. I think if you get to know Christopher, you will realise he is just a nice guy although there have been changes, he is still the same young man he always was.”
Unlike his son, the senior Morris was a left-arm spinner, who took 208 wickets from 74 First-Class games at 26.83. Speaking of Chris’ childhood, he said, “Christopher always wanted to bat and bowl. I noticed that he had a lot of ball sense. He could catch and throw a ball and had very good hand-eye co-ordination. I used to let him do anything that had something to do with cricket. Plus, he used to come and watch me play. Yes, most definitely, it has all paid off.”
Despite the riches, the family lives a simple life and even at almost 61, Willie still works in the property industry. It is easy to be satisfied with the glitz and bucks that comes with T20 leagues but like any cricketer his aim too lies in being a top Test cricketer.
