Irfan vows to come back

by S M August 18, 2009

Off-colour pacer Irfan Pathan said, "I have been ignored purely on the basis of my drop in performance and I am working hard towards it."

"For the last six years, if I have done slightly bad, I'm getting dropped. But I don't have any excuse. I'm not a person who runs for an excuse.

"It's very simple, if I am dropped then something is wrong somewhere. Reason is always performance. Obviously the selectors felt, I'm not up to the mark so I've to work hard and go to that level," Irfan said.

"Not many people have achieved what I've at at the age of 23-24 and I am very happy for that."

"If you look at my performance, I finished among the top six bowlers in the Indian Premier League II with 17 wickets and 196 runs (with the bat). In the West Indies series, I just got to play one match and was dropped."

"It was just because of one irresponsible person, who wanted to get fame, this had happened. I don't see any other reason apart from performance for getting dropped. I don't think there is any politics behind it.

"I have gone a step down (in terms of performance) so the selectors have dropped me and I don't have any other excuse," he reiterated.

"I was never a 140 kmph bowler, when I made debut I would touch that mark rarely. I am always a 130 kmph bowler and will always remain like that. When performance goes down people talk of so many things.

"I don't think it has affected my bowling. At junior level for Baroda, I have batted at number three and four positions, so I don't think it is an issue."

"We have won in the West Indies and hope that we will do well in the Tri-series and Champions Trophy."

Irfan said, "I don't think anybody is against WADA. We (all the sportpersons) strongly condemn doping. The Board is sorting out the matter."

Irfan said, "I'm really thankful to him. But we will remain busy with the domestic season beginning September. But when I get a chance, I would speak to him.