Former India and Baroda cricketer Irfan Pathan has levied heavy accusations on Kiran More in a letter written to the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA). Pathan has accused More of not letting Connor Williams join the Baroda team as coach for petty reasons.
Pathan has said that he was heavily disheartened that More, a veteran who played 49 Tests and 94 ODIs for India, let his personal feelings get in the way of Connor Williams becoming Baroda’s head coach, as per a report by Indian Express.
As per the former India all-rounder, More did not pick Williams as coach because the latter did not greet him with something as trivial as a 'hello'.
In an e-mail sent to the BCA, Pathan has accused More of tarnishing Baroda cricket, calling the former BCCI chairman of selector's actions 'deeply unsettling'. He also said that More’s actions have shocked him and they don't reflect well on someone who has represented the Indian team with distinction.
"I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of utmost concern that unfolded during today’s CAC meeting. It is with great disappointment that I witnessed a particular incident involving a Baroda cricket member that is contributing to the downfall of our esteemed institution. The actions and statements made by Kiran More during the meeting have left me deeply unsettled," Indian Express reported Pathan writing.
"More's assertion that he will obstruct Connor Williams from joining the coaching setup of the Baroda Ranji team simply because of a perceived lack of greeting ('He doesn't say hello to me') is, in my opinion, an absurd and petty justification. This kind of behavior is unbecoming of a senior figure like More, and it reflects poorly on the values we hold as an organization,” he added.
Connor Williams played 124 FC matches and 57 List-A fixtures and he even played for India in the Centurion Test against South Africa which was later stripped of its official status due to controversy. Williams had scored a gritty 42 off 83 in the second innings and figured in a 92-run opening wicket stand with Shiv Sunder Das.
But India’s refusal to accept ICC designated match referee Mike Denness meant the Test match was stripped of its official status. But this knock got him a place in India’s squad for England tour, but William couldn’t get another chance to represent his country.
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Pained by what is transpiring within the system, Pathan has urged the BCA to intervene and take steps necessary for the smooth flow and conduct of operations in the board.
"Williams himself is a Ranji Trophy champion and has dedicated over a decade of his life to representing Baroda cricket. It is only fitting that we acknowledge and respect his contributions. Our institution is bigger than any individual, and we must remember this fundamental principle.
We must foster an environment of professionalism, respect, and fairness within our organization. Let us not allow personal grievances and insignificant disagreements to hinder the progress and unity of Baroda cricket. And this all happened in front of the Baroda Cricket CEO,” Pathan wrote in his e-mail.
Former Gujarat batter Mukund Parmar has been appointed Baroda's head coach, while S Aravind comes on board as their bowling coach.
(Indian Express report)
