Yusuf Pathan backs BCCI support system amid growing injury crisis

Yusuf Pathan (Pic: X)

Former Indian all-rounder Yusuf Pathan has downplayed growing concerns over the Indian side's increasing injury list, saying that injury setbacks remain a reality in modern cricket due to a busy international calendar.

Speaking during the third edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL), where he features for the India Champions franchise, Pathan expressed confidence that the team management and the BCCI are providing world-class rehabilitation and medical support to help sidelined stars recover.

The Indian men's team faces significant selection dilemmas with key players suffering fitness setbacks ahead of crucial upcoming events and long-term preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. All-rounder Hardik Pandya, keeper-batter Rishabh Pant, fast bowler Harshit Rana, and mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy are among those currently dealing with injury issues, raising questions regarding squad depth and player workload management.

"There is a lot of cricket being played these days, and injuries are sometimes an unavoidable part of the game. However, the team management and the BCCI are taking good care of the players and have put excellent support systems in place. I'm sure these injuries are purely accidental and happen in the course of playing the game. The players will recover, and I'm confident that the Indian team and the BCCI will continue to provide them with the best possible care and support," Pathan said to ANI.

Yusuf Pathan on World Championship of Legends

Reflecting on his participation in the third season of the World Championship of Legends, Pathan shared his excitement about reuniting with former international colleagues and entertaining supporters.

"The experience of playing in the WCL has been fantastic. This is our third season, and we continue to enjoy it immensely. Whenever we reunite, it brings back so many wonderful memories. At the same time, we know that the fans come to watch us play good cricket and entertain them, and that's something we always strive to do," he said.

India Champions kicked off their WCL 2026 tournament with a dominant 46-run victory over Australia Champions on October 3. However, they subsequently suffered consecutive defeats against England Champions (21 runs), South Africa Champions (four wickets on October 10), and Bangladesh Champions (three runs on October 11).

(With inputs from ANI)