Irfan Pathan upset with BCCI over Hardik Pandya's selection in T20 World Cup, 'Sends wrong message…'
Star Sports quoted Pathan as saying. ALSO READ: T20 World Cup 2024: Rinku Singh's father opens up on son's exclusion, says, ‘had brought sweets and crackers…’ "Regular participation in domestic cricket is essential for serving Indian cricket throughout the year. Injuries are inevitable, but proper planning involving consistent match play, including domestic cricket, is vital for a player's return.
But then, there's this one player who returns from injury without fulfilling the same requirements," he added. According to Pathan, the BCCI's decision to appoint Hardik as vice-captain sent the wrong message to the rest of the team. "That shouldn't happen because it sends the wrong message to the rest of the team.
When they see one player receiving special treatment, it disrupts the team environment. Cricket isn't like tennis; it's a team sport where equality is vital. Every player should be treated fairly and equally.
Regardless of whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned player like Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli, cricket is a team sport first and foremost. I've witnessed things in the past, particularly during the T20 World Cup last year, that went against the principles of Indian cricket-instances where certain players were given undue advantage, which is unacceptable," he said. Apart from questioning Hardik's selection in the squad, Pathan concluded that ace bowler Jasprit Bumrah would have been a better choice as vice-captain for India.
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