Indian star Yusuf Pathan withdrawn from roster in blow for Hong Kong T20 Blitz organisers
Indian player is withdrawn by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, who had previously given their blessing for him to play
In a move that came as a disappointment for organisers of the annual short-form extravaganza, Cricket Hong Kong and Kowloon Cantons, the franchise he was set to represent at the March 8-12 event, announced that the permission the BCCI had previously granted for the 34-year-old Pathan to participate had been rescinded.
“Both CHK and the Cantons accept and respect the decision of the BCCI.”
Cricket Hong Kong CEO Tim Cutler said, “We respect the BCCI’s right to revoke the NOC for Yusuf Pathan as any other member has in regards to overseas players. Obviously it would have been fantastic to have Yusuf here playing in the tournament for cricket fans in Hong Kong.”
“However, there will still be 25 world class overseas cricketers playing in this event, which we believe will be a landmark event for Associate cricket.”