Yusuf bats for brother Irfan, lashes out at board

New Delhi:

Team India's new all-rounder Yusuf Pathan claims that his younger brother Irfan does not figure in the 30 probables for the ICC Champions Trophy for reasons other than performance.

While Irfan has not shown consistent spectacular form since making a comeback he has had spurts of brilliance. Yusuf's comment comes after Gujarat Cricket officials indicated that preference is being given to cricketers from the south.

Is Irfan Pathan a victim of regionalism?

Gujarat Ranji Trophy consultant coach Ashok Patel said: "The Indian team composition is very South-heavy, or rather we should say, Chennai heavy." Selection committee chairman Krishnamachari Srikkanth, incidentally, is from Chennai.

During a promotional event in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, Yusuf said, "Irfan's performance was always up to the mark. He has not been left out because of his performance. Everybody has seen what is happening," an angry Yusuf shot back when asked for his comment on Irfan's omission from the probables squad.

"What will I comment," Yusuf went on. "It is for you (the media) to react and comment on what is happening."

BCCI's Rajiv Shukla, in response to this spurt of emotions, said the board will check if Yusuf made any such remarks and would act accordingly.