Aakash Chopra, a former Indian cricketer, has voiced his backing for Hardik Pandya amidst the ongoing discussion about eligibility for central contracts. Following the BCCI’s recent announcement of centrally contracted players, notable was the omission of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan from the list.
The BCCI clarified that Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were excluded from central contracts because they did not adhere to the directive to participate in Ranji games. Following the announcement, criticism ensued, alleging preferential treatment towards Hardik Pandya, who retains his contract despite not playing red-ball cricket. Former cricketers, including Irfan Pathan, argued for equitable treatment, suggesting that if Pandya maintains his contract, Kishan and Iyer should be treated similarly.
Aakash Chopra Explained Why BCCI Didn’t Terminate Hardik Pandya’s Central Contracts
Aakash Chopra has supported Hardik Pandya amidst criticism, stating that Pandya’s situation differs from that of Kishan and Iyer. Chopra emphasized that Pandya’s central contract is justified because his absence from games was due to injuries, not unavailability like the others.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said: “Hardik Pandya’s case is very simple. Why would you punish him if he has not made a mistake? He is not playing red-ball cricket. That ambition or aspiration does not exist anymore. He has not said that as such, but the truth is that he is not available at all for any Test series,”
He added: “So if you are not at all auditioning for Tests, no one will ask you to play first-class cricket. Why would you play four-day games when you don’t have that much strength in your body to bowl so many overs and have injury problems? So why should he play – fair play,”
Furthermore, Aakash Chopra explained the reason behind BCCI’s preferential treatment for Hardik Pandya. Aakash Chopra explained:
“Let’s try to understand the chronology slightly. It will just clear up your mind why a different rule has been kept for him and why it is wrong to include him with Ishan and Shreyas. He got injured during the World Cup, that was October-November.”
He added: “The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy was over in October-November. He was playing the World Cup for India at that time. The last match that Baroda played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy was on 5th December.”
He was not fit and available. He wasn’t practicing anywhere but was recovering from his injury in the NCA,”
It has to be noted that Pandya hasn’t played international cricket since October 19, when he injured his ankle during a World Cup match against Bangladesh. However, he recently made a comeback in the DY Patil T20 Cup. Fans eagerly await his return to top-level cricket next month in the IPL.
