Irfan Pathan Critiques BCCI for Excluding Auqib Nabi from Test Squad

Irfan Pathan Questions Selection Decisions

Irfan Pathan, a former all-rounder and current commentator, has expressed his concerns regarding the BCCI selection committee's decision to omit Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi Dar from the Indian Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka, commencing on August 15.

During his time with India A in the unofficial Test series against Sri Lanka A, Auqib showcased his talent by taking six wickets over four innings and contributing 30 runs in the second match. His impressive performance in the Ranji Trophy, where he claimed 60 wickets—including seven five-wicket hauls—at an average of 12.56 and an economy rate of 2.65 across ten matches, further solidified his credentials.

Debate Surrounding Auqib Nabi's Exclusion

The decision to exclude Auqib from the squad for both the Afghanistan Test and the Sri Lanka series has ignited considerable discussion. Pathan has openly criticized the rationale behind the selection process, highlighting the need to acknowledge domestic players.

"I genuinely cannot comprehend why Nabi was not selected," Pathan remarked in an interview. He questioned the necessity of playing a Test against Afghanistan, which does not contribute to the World Test Championship, especially when Mohammad Siraj is the primary bowler.

"If domestic performances are valued, why was Auqib not given a chance? This was the perfect opportunity to test him at the international level," he added.

Pathan's Concerns for Domestic Players

Despite proving himself in domestic cricket and with India A, Auqib Nabi is still awaiting his first Test call-up. Pathan expressed sympathy for him, stating, "He is a deserving candidate but remains unselected in the Test team."

During India's one-off Test against Afghanistan, Auqib served as one of the six net bowlers, acting as a backup for Siraj, who was uncertain to play due to workload management after a taxing IPL season. Ultimately, Siraj was deemed fit, leaving Auqib without a spot in the squad.

Other players like Gurnoor Brar, Manav Suthar, and Harsh Dubey were chosen for the Afghanistan Test, while Auqib's remarkable domestic performance was overlooked yet again.

Pathan Highlights Inconsistencies in Selection Criteria

In discussing Auqib's absence from the Sri Lanka Tests, Pathan acknowledged Saransh Jain's first national call-up but questioned why similar criteria were not applied to Auqib, who has consistently performed well in domestic cricket.

"What message are we sending to domestic players? Saransh Jain's selection based on his domestic success is commendable, but Auqib has also demonstrated consistent performance," Pathan stated.

"As a fast bowler, he should have more opportunities, especially since injuries are common in this role, making a backup essential."

Auqib Nabi's Impressive Domestic Record

Auqib Nabi Dar boasts an impressive first-class cricket record, having taken 162 wickets, including 16 five-wicket hauls and four ten-wicket hauls, with an average of 18.63 and an economy rate of 2.90 over 43 matches. His performance in the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, where he secured 104 wickets in 18 matches, underscores the consistency that Pathan believes warrants a place in the national Test squad.

It remains uncertain whether the selectors will reconsider Auqib Nabi Dar's situation in the near future, as his exclusion from both the Afghanistan Test and the Sri Lanka series raises ongoing questions about the consistency of India's selection policy.