The exclusion of fast bowler Umran Malik from India’s squads for the upcoming South Africa tour has drawn criticism from former cricketer Irfan Pathan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squads on November 30th, revealing opportunities for several youngsters. However, Umran Malik, despite earlier appearances in the Indian team, was not part of any selection, including the India A squad.
Irfan Pathan Voices Displeasure on Social Media
Umran Malik’s absence from the India A squad came as a surprise to many cricket enthusiasts, considering the buzz around the young speedster not long ago. With the upcoming tour offering a blend of T20Is, ODIs, and Tests, the decision not to include Malik has ignited discussions about the rationale behind his exclusion.
Expressing his discontent on social media, Irfan Pathan questioned the BCCI’s decision to overlook Umran Malik. Pathan highlighted the speedster’s recent presence in the Indian team’s playing 11 and expressed confidence in Malik’s capability to secure a spot in the India A side. On his X account, Pathan stated, “I’m pretty sure the guy who was in the Indian team’s playing 11 a few months back can surely find a place in India A side.”
Uncertain Future for Umran Malik
Umran Malik, known for his express pace, faced challenges during the West Indies series, where he struggled with both economy and wicket-taking. Despite his earlier selection for the ICC World Cup 2023, concerns about his performance may have influenced the decision to exclude him from the South Africa tour squads.
With Umran Malik having played 10 ODIs and 8 T20Is, accumulating 13 and 11 wickets respectively, his exclusion raises questions about the future roadmap for the talented pacer. The decision not to include him in the South Africa tour squads prompts speculation about his standing within the national setup.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
 for not including Umran Malik in any squad for the upcoming South Africa tour. %%page%%){kind=link}