Sri Kan't or can he?

Is Yusuf Pathan right about Srikkanth playing favourites with South Indians? Bangalore has its say

Is Yusuf Pathan right about Srikkanth playing favourites with South Indians? Bangalore has its say

The selection of 30 probables for the Champions Trophy yesterday had cricket fans either grinning from ear to ear or hopping mad, depending on where they came from.

The villain of the piece, according to Yusuf Pathan, was national chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth. Yusuf alleged that his brother, Irfan, was a victim of regional bias since Srikkanth chose more South Indians, particularly from Tamil Nadu, while selecting the probables.

His comments sparked off a debate across the country. Comparisons were made with G R Vishwanath's team during his reign as chief selector when South Indians dominated the scene.

We talk to cricket fanatics across the city to see if Bangalore agrees with Yusuf:

Shreyas Narasimhan, 29, BPO employee
I think Irfan Pathan should be included in the team. He's proved himself as an all-rounder time and again. It's wrong to exclude him. Maybe he was having a bad phase. I don't think Krishnachamari Srikkanth chose only Chennai players.

Brothers in arms: The Pathan brothers stand up for each other. Yousuf (top) and Irfan (bottom)

I don't think it works that way. Only players with potential have been chosen for the team.

Vishnu Reddy, 22, student
Yes, Chennai players seem to have been given preference. There's politics in every organisation in this country, so what's so surprising here? It's sad however, that Irfan hasn't been included. I feel he's played really well in the last couple of tournaments and it's a shame that politics has become the hindrance.
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Akshata Shetty, 26, business development executive
Irfan should have been chosen. How should it matter to anyone where he comes from? The selection committee should have considered this point of view and should have selected the right players. He's an all rounder u2014 that should have been enough.

Hasan Khan, 23, Dell International Services
Irfan played really well during the T20 and World Cup. I think he should be in the team. He's one of the best bowlers we have. We need aggressive bowlers like Pathan to boost the morale of the team. Kris Srikkanth is definitely being partial. He always supports and encourages people from his own state.

Rahul S, 23, HR professional
When the team is headed by a North Indian and prominent players like Sehwag and Sachin are North Indians, how is this even a valid complaint? I don't think these allegations make any sense. We are one country; we are unified! I don't think Srikkanth is being partial. Irfan hasn't been doing a great job lately anyway.
So I think it's right that he's been ignored.

Shruti Narasimpur, 21, student
It's totally unfair. I don't think players should be selected depending on where they come from! Srikkanth has only selected South Indian players and it's obvious. Irfan should have been included as he has potential and can turn any game around.