• Home
  • Who Said What
  • Different Beast Irfan Pathan Undermines Ipl Criteria For T20 World Cup 2024 Selection

‘Different Beast…’ Irfan Pathan Undermines IPL Criteria For T20 World Cup 2024 Selection

Samspn gets criticism for his performance at International level [AP] Samspn gets criticism for his performance at International level [AP]

Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has urged the selectors to maintain a balanced perspective while selecting the Indian cricket team. With a T20 World Cup in sight, the cricketer-turned-commentator said that apart from selecting players on the basis of their recent IPL performances, the selectors must also consider their past achievements for the national side.

Irfan Pathan is one of the expert commentators and analysts for the official broadcasters of the ongoing IPL 2024 season. The former cricketer, who was part of India’s victorious T20 World Cup winning squad from 2007, said that the selectors should not select a national team for the forthcoming T20 World Cup event in West Indies purely on the basis of a player’s IPL 2024 performance.

Pathan implies IPL not the essence of national selection

Pathan exemplified the difference between IPL matches and international cricket, and explained how the latter is a ‘different beast altogether’ by using the example of KKR speedster and Australian legend Mitchell Starc.

“Just because some players are performing well in the IPL, it doesn't mean they should automatically be selected. In the IPL, there are always one or two uncapped bowlers who can be easily smacked due to small grounds and flat pitches. However, international cricket is a different beast altogether. 

You'll have five bowlers, each with a significant number of matches under their belt before entering the World Cup, bringing in tons of experience. You'll be up against top-quality bowlers like Mitchell Starc. While Starc's performance in the IPL may differ, you'll still be facing top-quality bowlers.”

Moreover, Irfan Pathan also added that while considering IPL 2024 performances would be a key factor for India’s T20 World Cup 2024 selection, the selectors must also remember the past contributions of certain players for the national team. He added:

The BCCI selection committee is expected to unveil India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad within a couple of days. As of now, nearly all Indian players are plying their trade for their respective franchises in IPL 2024.