Irfan Pathan takes a subtle dig at the Baroda Cricket Association

Indian cricketer, Irfan Pathan aimed a subtle jibe towards the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) in his recent tweet. His veiled opinion on the micro-blogging site came in response to a tweet made by Unmukt Chand. Chand had posted a picture of the felicitation honour that he’d received from the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) on Wednesday.

While disparities in the treatments meted out to players by the regional cricketing boards have been noted in the Indian cricketing circles since ages, the most recent tiff between the BCA and Irfan Pathan attracted quite a few eyeballs. The 33-year old cricketer had made his debut for the national side back in 2003. He’s also served as the captain for the Baroda side in Ranji Trophy before being sacked in November, 2017.

Irfan Pathan expresses his disappointment towards the BCA

The bad blood between Pathan and the cricketing association of Baroda led to the player getting axed from the position of the Baroda team’s skipper very recently. Last year, there had been reports of Pathan exploring the options of joining a different regional team due to differences with his regular side’s higher authorities. However, the problems were eventually resolved. This time around, he was handed the captaincy of the Baroda team only three days before the tournament was to begin. Bizarrely enough, two matches later, he was sacked and Deepak Hooda was named captain of the side, instead.

In contrast, young Unmukt Chand received a plaque from the DDCA at the inaugural DDCA Conclave at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium on Wednesday, for his contribution to Delhi Cricket and having captained the side back in 2016. Chand tweeted an image of the plaque along with his Delhi cap, thanking the association for their recognition of his efforts. In response to this, Pathan tweeted that this was one of the many right ways to treat players who’ve worked hard for their team over a long period of time.

Here’s what Irfan Pathan tweeted:

well done,this is one of the many ways u honour n respect ur players who have given services for many years

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 30, 2017

Pathan and Chand have previously played together for the Delhi Daredevils team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and share a good rapport both on and off the field, so much so that the latter was invited to and attended the all-rounder’s wedding reception. A prolific player like Irfan Pathan, whose contribution in India’s T20 World Cup 2007 victory and numerous other international matches is unparalleled, no doubt, deserves infinitely better treatment and respect from the BCA.