Irfan Pathan has sought a No Objection Certificate from the Baroda Cricket Association to play for another domestic team, according to a report in The Indian Express.
Pathan, who has played for Baroda for the last 17 years, was dropped from the Ranji Trophy team after two games. Earlier, the former India international was named captain and mentor for the season.
He was also subsequently ignored for the team that took part in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament which is currently under progress. Baroda had replaced Pathan with Deepak Hooda as the captain in both the Ranji as well as the T20 team.
In a mail sent to the BCA a few days prior, Pathan wrote, “I have made this decision keeping in mind the current scenario and the current plans of the BCA with regard to my position in the team. I feel that my professional services can be utilised in a better manner and to the best of my abilities with a different team at this stage of my career.”
This isn’t the first time that Pathan and the BCA have clashed, after the cricketer featured irregularly in the 2016-’17 season.
“The selection committee took a call to drop Irfan and pick Hooda as a captain,” said Snehal Parikh, BCA secretary justifying Pathan’s exclusion. “If you look at the season, from this year onwards we will be playing only six league games. Baroda lost to Madhya Pradesh and last game the result didn’t go in our favour. The selectors thought it should be ideal if we try a new captain for next game.”
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!