‘Different rules for different players…’ – Former India allrounder Irfan Pathan slams team management amid Shreyas Iyer injury controversy

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has raised eyebrows with an indirect critique of players opting out of domestic cricket for workload management. His comments came in the wake of reports suggesting that Shreyas Iyer withdrew from Mumbai’s upcoming Ranji Trophy quarterfinal, citing back issues.

However, the National Cricket Academy (NCA) subsequently granted him fitness clearance to participate in the tournament. This incident closely follows another prominent player, Ishan Kishan, making himself unavailable for Jharkhand’s team selection.

In a tweet on X, Irfan Pathan questioned whether there are different rules for players regarding participation in Indian first-class cricket under the guise of preserving their bodies. The remark highlights the growing trend of players opting out of domestic tournaments, citing workload management or fitness concerns.

“Is there a different rule for different players for not playing Indian first-class cricket in the name of looking after the body?” wrote Irfan Pathan on X.

Irfan Pathan adds another layer to the discussion!

The cricketing community, including India’s coach Rahul Dravid, has emphasised the importance of players engaging in domestic red-ball matches to remain in contention for the national team. Shreyas Iyer’s decision to withdraw from the quarterfinal, despite being reported fit, has raised concerns and prompted Irfan Pathan to express suspicion about the circumstances.

Shreyas Iyer dropped from the Indian Test team after the first two matches against England and faced a dip in form. He failed to score a fifty in 13 consecutive Test innings. Despite experiencing lower back and groyne issues during the second test in Vizag, the NCA staff deemed him fit for participation. The selection committee recommended his involvement in the Ranji Trophy, but Iyer chose not to follow the advice.

Irfan Pathan’s comments add to the ongoing debate surrounding player availability for domestic cricket. It also adds to the broader discourse on balancing workloads in the era of hectic international schedules. The episode involving Shreyas Iyer underscores the challenges faced by administrators, selectors, and players in managing the delicate balance between national and domestic commitments.