Bishan Singh Bedi is not impressed by the views of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who lashed out at the cricket board for not playing all-rounder Parvez Rasool in the one-day international series that concluded in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe on Saturday.
“Why are politicians getting into this,” asked Bedi, who coached the cricketer in the J & K Ranji Trophy team. “He (Rasool) can do without this charity. He has been picked on merit and he will play on merit.”
Bishan Singh Bedi and (inset) Parvez Rasool
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“Did you really have to take him all the way to Zimbabwe to demoralise him? Wouldn’t it have been cheaper to just do it at home?” Abdullah tweeted.
Another tweet said: “Come on BCCI give the young man (Rasool) a chance to prove himself. Really disappointed that Parvez Rasool hasn’t been given a game in Zimbabwe.”
Bedi told Sunday MiD DAY: “Parvez is just starting out. Let him find his footing. He is not there because of A, B or C. He is there on merit. In fact, this (not playing any of the games) will make stronger, resolute and more determined.”
Rasool first got picked for India ‘A’ followed by a call-up for the Zimbabwe tour where India sent a second string outfit led by Virat Kohli.
The offie, whose clean action is often stressed by Bedi, claimed 33 wickets last season. He clinched seven wickets in an innings against visiting Australians in Chennai on February 12 earlier this year.
Another politician — Shashi Tharoor — was disappointment over the benching of Rasool in Zimbabwe.
“Greatly disappointed that Parvez Rasool not playing today. Bizarre selection. Could easily have rested Jadeja & Raina for Rasool & Rahane,” Tharoor tweeted.u00a0
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