Pic: KSW
Srinagar, June 3: Irfan Pathan recently revealed that he could still play domestic cricket for Jammu and Kashmir but considering the talent here, he stepped aside to groom young players.
Pathan, in a candid chat with fellow former cricketer, Mohammad Kaif, said this while answering a question regarding his retirement.
The all-rounder said he decided to hung up his shoes as he wasn’t getting any opportunities to play at the highest level.
“It was looking like people had decided that they do not want to take me in the side, it was seeming so from the last two-three years, I was swinging the ball, I was in good form in Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy, I was performing well with both bat and ball in Ranji Trophy, even then if you are not getting into the side, its a signal for a player to stay home,” He said.
The J&K’s mentor went on to say that he could still play for J&K.
“If you keep on playing domestic cricket even if you are not being picked then you are taking the chance away from someone who can get selected and you end up losing respect as well. I could play domestic cricket even today for Jammu and Kashmir, but there is good talent there and you have to shape up talent. Even today, I can play but you need to look at the real picture,” he added.
Irfan joined J&K cricket as player-cum-mentor prior to last season, then later opted to take only the role of mentor for 2019-20 session. Reportedly, he will continue his reign with J&K in the upcoming season as well.
