Poor performance of the J&K cricket team in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy has come under serious criticism back home with stakeholders pointing fingers at senior players and team management.
Downtown Champions League (DCL) CEO and a former cricketer Naseer Bhat said J&K Cricket Association should desist from involving outside cricketers in J&K team.
“When you send a team of players that is not approved by selectors, such results are expected. Winning and losing are part of the game but five consecutive defeats are not acceptable,” Naseer said.
“I fail to understand as to why JKCA is roping in outside cricketers every now and then. No doubt Irfan Pathan was star a player but he has passed his prime and shouldn’t be part of J&K team. When J&K defeated Mumbai in Ranji trophy it had no outside player in it,” he added.
While some lashed out at the team performance, other took a balanced approach while commenting on the defeats.
“It is really worrisome that the team is not able to perform, but that does not mean it is an average team. I reckon it is the best squad that could have been fielded for it carries both the experience of seniors and energy of youngsters. At times, teams are not be able to hit the right button. Basically, it is the performance of 2014 which has raised many expectations back home and as cricket enthusiasts we are concerned it is not a positive sign. This concern should serve as a motivating factor for team to do better in the games that follow. I am sure they will tide over this lean patch as well. It is just a matter of time,” said Director J&K State Cricket Academy, Mubashir Hassan.
Former cricketer and JKCA member Ranjeet Kalra said that it is a wake-up call for team captain and management with a long season ahead.
“It is always matter of concern to see JK lose consecutively. The team is a talented lot, but these losses should serve as a wake-up call for the remaining season. The management and the captain need to put their heads together and bounce back. I am sure they will do better in the coming matches,” Kalra said.