Former Indian fast bowler Praveen Kumar has questioned the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for maintaining different selection standards for certain players. While discussing the recent controversy surrounding Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan’s exclusion from India’s central contracts on a popular YouTube show, Kumar supported BCCI’s criteria of making domestic performances mandatory for all contracted players.
However, he pointed out that the same yardstick should be applied to star all-rounder Hardik Pandya without exceptions. Pandya has been retained in BCCI’s ‘A’ category despite being inactive for over 3 months with an injury post the ODI World Cup. “Has Hardik descended from the moon that he doesn’t need to play? He too will have to perform in domestic cricket,” remarked Kumar.
The former pacer questioned why Pandya is getting preferential treatment over others. “The rules should be same for everyone irrespective of their stature. Even Hardik should be told strongly by BCCI to represent in domestic games,” he stressed. Kumar further questioned Pandya’s commitment to Test cricket, saying the country needs players who are willing to don the whites.
Overall, Kumar’s comments highlight the need for a balanced and fair selection process without any bias. As a contracted player, Pandya too must be available for all formats to retain BCCI’s trust. With the 37-year-old questioning the differential treatment meted out, it remains to be seen if BCCI reconsiders its decision regarding Hardik Pandya.
