'Has Pandya come from the moon, should BCCI be threatened', this veteran lashed out at Hardik

The Indian Premier League's Mumbai Indians (MI) captain is now all-rounder Hardik Pandya (IPL). He has been the target of constant social media trolling ever since. Praveen Kumar, a former fast bowler, has now had to criticise him as well. Due to Pandya's non-participation in domestic cricket, Praveen has categorised him and requested that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) take appropriate action.

The BCCI has maintained Hardik Pandya, vice-captain of the ODI and T20 teams, in 'Grade A' status in the central contract for 2023–2024. Pandya sustained an injury during the 2023 ODI World Cup, which has kept him out of the Indian squad. He has been awarded a Grade A central contract despite this. On the other hand, wicket-keeper batsman Ishan Kishan and right-handed batsman Shreyas Iyer were dropped from the central contract for not playing Ranji Trophy and giving priority to IPL over domestic cricket.

Expressing displeasure over this, Kumar has demanded equality in rules for all players. Praveen said, 'Hardik Pandya has come a little lower than the moon? He will have to play too. Why are there different rules for them? He should also threaten the board.

Hardik Pandya has assured the selectors that he will participate in the white ball tournament in domestic cricket. On this Praveen said, 'Why doesn't he play all three formats? It doesn't matter that I play only white-ball tournaments. Have not played 70-80 Tests in their respective careers. Now you are saying that I will not play red-ball cricket. The country needs you. If you do not want to play Test cricket then please write to us.

Praveen further said, 'If you do not want to play Test cricket, then give it in writing. Perhaps Pandya has been told that he will not be selected for the Test. I don't have any clear information.