Former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan believes that performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) shouldn’t guarantee selection for the national team as the T20 World Cup 2024 is nearing.
Pathan, who was part of the 2007 T20 World Cup winning squad, advised the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) selectors to keep the balance and not focus just on IPL performances when they are picking squad for the mega event.
He stated that international cricket is not the same as IPL, where even top bowlers like Mitchell Starc continue to struggle but pose an entirely different threat on the biggest stage.
"Just because some players are performing well in the IPL, it doesn't mean they should automatically be selected [for the national team]. 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. For instance, from Sri Lanka, you might face someone like Pathirana. But you'll also have the other four bowlers, who are top-quality performers," he added.
Remember, all the teams participating in the mega event have to send a list of provisional squads to the ICC by May 1. However, changes can be made till the 25th of May but once that date has passed, approval from the ICC would be required for any changes.
It must be noted that India is in Group A with arch-rivals Pakistan and the two sides will take on one another in one of the most anticipated matches of the World Cup on June 9 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York.
Groups for T20 World Cup 2024
Group A: India, Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, United States
Group B: England, Australia, Namibia, Scotland, Oman
Group C: New Zealand, West Indies, Afghanistan, Uganda, Papua New Guinea
Group D: South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Netherlands, Nepal