'Unfortunate that you have to explain this' - Irfan Pathan backs Wasim Jaffer In 'communal bias' controversy

Wasim Jaffer has been in the news for the last couple of days. The former Indian cricketer decided to quit as the head coach of the Uttarakhand Cricket team. As soon as he quit the role, there were rumors on social media that Jaffer had shown communal bias towards Muslim cricketers. 

The former Mumbai and Vidarbha player explained that him quitting the job had nothing to do with a communal bias towards any player. He clarified through a press conference and social media that it was the involvement of the board and administrators in team selection, which bothered him. 

On Thursday, #wasimjaffer started trending on Twitter as the cricketer received support from across the platforms for being falsely accused. Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan expressed his sorrow on the issue via a reply to a tweet that Jaffer had put up explaining the reasons behind him leaving the job. 

Irfan Pathan and Anil Kumble show their support for Wasim Jaffer

After the press conference, Cricbuzz put a tweet sharing the article in which the entire story was given. Replying to the tweet Jaffer cleared some air and gave away certain facts that were crucial in his defense.

The former Ranji player wrote, “1. I recommended Jay Bista for captaincy not Iqbal but CAU officials favoured Iqbal. 2. I did not invite Maulavis 3. I resigned cos bias of selectors-secretary for non-deserving players 4. Team used to say a chant of Sikh community, I suggested we can say “Go Uttarakhand” #Facts”

After reading this tweet, Irfan Pathan decided to reply. He wrote, “Unfortunate that you have to explain this.” The two have known each other closely having played for India around the same time. Jaffer made his Test debut in 2000 and went on to play till 2008. Pathan, on the other hand, made his Test debut in 2003 and played his last Test series in 2008.

Coincidentally, the two played their respective last Test matches in the same series against South Africa at home. Former Indian captain, Anil Kumble, who captained Jaffer and also worked together with Kings XI Punjab, also showed his support for Jaffer with a tweet. 

Unfortunate that you have to explain this.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 11, 2021

With you Wasim. Did the right thing. Unfortunately it’s the players who’ll miss your mentor ship.

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) February 11, 2021