In the wake of the Deepak Hooda disputation, former India cricketer Irfan Pathan has asked the Baroda Cricket Association to check the matter and blame actions that aren’t good for the game of cricket.
He (Deepak Hooda) quit the Baroda team, which is taking part in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, claiming that he was intimidated by captain Krunal Pandya.
Irfan Pathan said that during a time as difficult as the covid-19 pandemic wherein the healthy mind of a player may be weak, such incidents may have a negative impact on a player and should be avoided. The ex-Baroda skipper said by posted on Twitter on his Twitter account:
“Being an ex-captain of Baroda and having mentored many youngsters, I understand how important it is to have a harmonious environment where players can feel safe, play freely and give their best for the team.
“If what I have heard about Deepak Hooda episode is true, it indeed is shocking and disheartening. No player should be treated like this.”
Irfan Pathan was also disturbed over consistent performers like Swapnil Singh and Aditya Waghmode being neglected for selection.
He noted that Aditya Waghmode was the greatest run-scorer of the Baroda team in the last Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, having scored 364 runs. Swapnil Singh had also put in huge actions, finishing up with 216 runs and 10 wickets.
Pathan continued to say:
“In the recent past there have been episodes wherein the deserving young talents who have performed well and are under the age of 30 have been overlooked during the selection.”
“Requesting all members of the BCA to look into this and condemn such actions since they’re not good for the game of cricket.”
During the difficult times of this pandemic wherein mental health of a player is of utmost importance as they have to stay in a bio-bubble as well as keep themselves focused on the game, such incidents may have adverse effects on a player and should be avoided.#MentalHealth pic.twitter.com/n3V2kKeO4G
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 12, 2021
On Sunday, the BCA requested a report from the Baroda senior team manager about the Deepak Hooda controversy.
What is the reason Deepak Hooda withdraw from the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy?
In an abominable development, Baroda vice-captain Deepak Hooda removed of the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament on Saturday, quitting the bio-bubble earlier Baroda’s first match.
Deepak Hooda will explain by writing a letter to the Baroda Cricket Association claiming he was demoralised, depressed and under pressure owing to skipper Krunal Pandya’s bullying tactics.
In an email to the BCA, Deepak Hooda claimed:
“I am playing cricket since the last 11 years for Baroda Cricket Association. At present, I am selected for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. I am demoralised, depressed and under pressure.
“At least for the last couple of days, my team captain Mr Krunal Pandya is using abusive language against me in front of my teammates and also other states’ teams who have come here for participating in the tournament. He (Pandya) stopped me during practice, showing his dadagiri (bullying).”
“Firstly, by walking away from a responsibility of vice-captaincy and leaving the team because of a difference you have sent out a message that you hold yourself above the team and that embodies your attitude and commitment to your team.
“There is no team that doesn’t have differences but to walk away and talk to the media giving only your side of the story is a case of seeking unwarranted publicity and putting self before the game. We accept your unavailability and will take necessary action in the best interest of the game, its values and the reputation of the Baroda Cricket Association.”