Team India versus retired India
Irfan Pathan suggests a friendly, charity match between the present and recently retired Team India players
Imagine a match between the recently retired cricketers and the present members of Team India. No doubt, there’ll be many a taker for the showdown.
The idea was recently floated by ex-all-rounder Irfan Pathan on his Instagram page, apparently following the recent retirement announcements made by former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his team mate Suresh Raina.
“Many people are talking about a farewell game for retired players who didn’t get a proper sendoff from the game. How about a charity cum farewell game from a team consisting of retired players vs the current Indian team? (sic),” the caption on Irfan’s post read.
Irfan’s post has a blurred out picture of Team India during a huddle, with “FAREWELL GAME VS CURRENT INDIAN TEAM” on it followed by the names of the team members Irfan envisages for the team, including Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, V.V.S. Laxman, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, M.S. Dhoni, Irfan Pathan, Ajit Agarkar, Zaheer Khan and Pragyan Ojha.
Suresh Raina
ENOUGH RETIREES FOR A TEAM
Speaking exclusively to this reporter, 35-year-old Irfan insisted that the match be played after the corona vaccine is accessible and when the pandemic ends so that more people can watch their favourite players.
“It will be a fantastic idea for a charity match for those affected by the coronavirus as well as a farewell game for all those who retired recently,” adds Irfan. “The match can be held at any venue, in Ranchi (Dhoni’s home ground) or Motera. Ideally it should be the new Motera Stadium, which is the world’s most beautiful stadium. This could be the first match to be held there, and I think a lot of people will be happy to be involved in this. The BCCI should consider it seriously.”
Irfan appears even positive that there will be many retired players interested in the game and thus there could even be a team easily. “I think it will be a treat to watch a tussle between the great inform present players and the experienced retired players, although I believe even the present players will need at least six months to regain their fitness and levels of their play,” points out Irfan.
“Also, this match will not be about winning or losing the game but about honouring the retired players and sending them off in a more beautiful manner.”
Irfan’s brother, Yusuf Pathan has also endorsed the idea, saying, “It’s a very good idea and fans will love to see them all play.”
Dinesh Raina, the brother of Suresh Raina, has also welcomed the suggestion. (Incidentally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had written to Suresh Raina, saying, “You are way too young and energetic to retire.”)
“Someday, the present bunch of players currently playing for India has to retire sometime, so according to me, this is a good idea. And maybe, in this manner, there would also be a demand for veteran players,” points out Dinesh.
I think it will be a treat to watch a tussle between the great in-form present players and the experienced retired players, although I believe even the present players will need at least six months to regain their fitness — Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan