T20 World Cup 2024: Irfan Pathan questions BCCI's rationale behind granting Hardik Pandya special treatment
T20 World Cup 2024: Amidst mounting criticism and heated debate surrounding India's cricketing ace, Hardik Pandya, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a decisive stance by including him in the 15-man squad for the highly anticipated T20 World Cup 2024. However, this move has sparked controversy and invited scrutiny, especially with Pandya's lackluster performance in the IPL 2024 season.
The decision to retain Hardik Pandya in the squad, coupled with the honour of appointing him as the vice-captain, has raised eyebrows and drawn ire from former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan. In a scathing critique, Irfan Pathan questioned the BCCI's rationale behind granting Hardik Pandya special treatment, particularly in light of his underwhelming form and limited participation in domestic cricket.
Pathan highlighted the contrasting treatment meted out to other players, such as Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan, who were sidelined from the national team until they demonstrated their prowess in domestic competitions. This discrepancy in approach, according to Irfan Pathan, undermines the principles of fairness and equality within the team and sets a detrimental precedent for aspiring cricketers.
The former cricketer highlighted the importance of consistent participation in domestic cricket as a prerequisite for serving the Indian team effectively throughout the year. While acknowledging the inevitability of injuries, Pathan stressed the significance of proper planning and adherence to established protocols for player rehabilitation and selection.
"Cricket is a team sport where equality is paramount," said Pathan, underscoring the need for all players to be treated equitably, regardless of their stature or seniority within the team. He cautioned against the detrimental effects of favouritism and special treatment, which could potentially erode team morale and cohesion.
Reflecting on past instances where certain players purportedly received preferential treatment during the T20 World Cup, Irfan Pathan lamented the deviation from the core principles of Indian cricket. He admonished such practices as unacceptable and detrimental to the integrity of the sport.
In questioning the decision to appoint Pandya as the team's vice-captain, Pathan advocated for a more meritocratic approach, suggesting that players like Jasprit Bumrah would have been equally deserving candidates for the role. While acknowledging the importance of continuity in leadership, Pathan stressed the need for performance-based selections to ensure the team's success in high-stakes tournaments like the World Cup.
"To succeed in tournaments like the World Cup, it's imperative that every player is treated fairly and equally," he said, reiterating the fundamental principles of team sportsmanship and meritocracy. He called for a reevaluation of the selection process to uphold these values and safeguard the integrity of Indian cricket.
- With inputs from agencies
