Though the outside things of the cricket appear too good, there is always this unseen ugly side that stains the image and career of the cricketers. In these aspects, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan is the sole proof of excellence. Despite having a fair beginning as the bowler, his diversion into becoming the bowler has left his career in ruins, sources claim that one can only blame Greg Chappel for this downfall.
After all that has happened, now he is sustaining well in Ranji Trophies. But, all of sudden, in a surprising development, Irfan, who was chosen to lead Team Baroda in the Ranji Trophy at the start of the domestic season, has been stripped of the captaincy and dropped from the side after just two games.
When asked about the incident, Irfan said, “I am as fit as ever and there is no issue with my performances and commitment to serve Team Baroda. I felt very proud when I was made the captain and was told that I would be the perfect mentor to the youngsters. I have worked hard with the boys for the last couple of months and they are very happy with whatever we have been doing. I really don’t know what has gone wrong after just two games. Had I been told that my services won’t be required before the domestic season started, I would have happily stepped aside.”
He added, “Although I love Baroda and take a lot of pride in representing the team, I might have gone and played for another team. Be it for Team India or Team Baroda, I have always given my 100 percent. I am a fighter and no matter what happens, I will remain one.”
While quoting this as the most insensitive decision ever taken against a senior player like Irfan, the Baroda Cricket Association went saying, “This is a harsh decision. One must respect a senior player like Irfan, who has contributed immensely to Indian cricket and Baroda cricket. There were differences of opinion between him and the selectors before Baroda took on Andhra Pradesh. A day before the match, three selectors approached him and said that a certain spinner should be picked. The coach was also present and Irfan wasn’t in favor of picking that player, as his chances of success on a pacer-friendly wicket were minimum.”
BCA further added, “He felt it wasn’t fair for the youngster but these selectors insisted, saying that the player in question could be dropped from the team for the next game. With such mentality, how can one build a team for the future?”
Well, but for all sense, it is quite basic necessity for the authorities to ping a notice or intimate Irfan in the first place. Just for the sake of this selecting a player issue, one cannot simply ouster the captain.