If I was IPL team owner, I wouldn’t pick myself, says Irfan Pathan

It has been five years since Irfan Pathan has last played in a T20I and whatever credibility he had for his pace and in-swinging bowling was kept alive by his scattered domestic performances throughout the year. It further took a hit this domestic season when he got dropped by Baroda after captaining the side in the first two Ranji Trophy games as Deepak Hooda replaced him.

If that wasn’t damaging enough, a fuming Irfan Pathan decided to take a dig at the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) officials in October last year,by tweeting, “Not wishing Good Morning & not being a YES man to ur boss can go against u...but don’t bother, keep doing ur work #keepfighting #keeptrying”

With him absent from the domestic circuit it was highly likely that it would affect his IPL status in the auction and it happened. However, Irfan admits he was prepared for it.

“I have not played first-class cricket this season, courtesy whatever happened in Baroda cricket. If I was the owner of an IPL team, I would not have picked myself. Now, I want to be in an environment where I can enjoy my cricket. Things can change then. This year, I was expecting whatever happened at the auctions,” said Irfan Pathan, reported Indian Express.

Irfan has taken 301 wickets in national colours across all the three formats, repeatedly proving his worth. And now with a stint close to Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association, Pathan is still hoping to make a comeback next season.

“Whatever is said and done. You always think there is a slim chance. I am going to prepare well for the next season, be it training or other stuff. I will go where my cricket takes me,” said Irfan, assuring that he would associated with IPL “one way or the other”.