NEW DELHI: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Waris Pathan waded into the controversy over cricketer Sarfaraz Khan’s non-selection for the national team, backing Congress leader Shama Mohamed’s claim that the Mumbai batter’s religion was behind his continued snub.
"(AIMIM chief) Owaisi tweeted about it...he (Sarfaraz) averages 110.47 in first-class cricket in last 5 years. He has 5 fifties, 10 hundreds and more than 2,500 runs during this period. Yet, he is not being given a chance. What is the reason?" Pathan said.
He added, “Earlier he was called unfit and overweight. Now he has reduced his weight by 17 kilograms. The entire nation is questioning why, despite this, he is not being picked for the Indian team. People are asking, 'What was the selection criteria? Why has he not been selected?' Questions will be asked. Was his name or surname the reason? Selectors should explain. A young talent such as him should not be ruined.”
Earlier, Congress leader Shama Mohamed, who had stirred controversy in March by allegedly fat-shaming India’s then-ODI captain Rohit Sharma, posted on X: “Is Sarfaraz Khan not selected because of his surname! #justasking. We know where Gautam Gambhir stands on that matter.”
Former India opener Gautam Gambhir, the current head coach of the national team, was also an MP of the ruling BJP, representing the East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency from 2019 to 2024.
The controversy over Sarfaraz Khan’s mission emerged on Tuesday, when his name was missing from the India 'A' squad for the upcoming series against South Africa 'A'.
The 28-year-old made his international debut during England’s Test tour of India in January–March 2024. He last represented the national team during New Zealand’s visit in October–November 2024—a series in which India was whitewashed 3-0, marking the team’s first home Test series defeat since losing to England in 2012–13.
Sarfaraz was also picked for India’s Test tour of Australia in November 2024 but did not play a single match, as Australia won the five-match series 3-1.
"(AIMIM chief) Owaisi tweeted about it...he (Sarfaraz) averages 110.47 in first-class cricket in last 5 years. He has 5 fifties, 10 hundreds and more than 2,500 runs during this period. Yet, he is not being given a chance. What is the reason?" Pathan said.
VIDEO | Talking on AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi questioning non-selection of batter Sarfaraz Khan in India A squad despite stupendous run in first class cricket in an X post, AIMIM national spokesperson Waris Pathan (@warispathan) asks whether it is because of his 'surname'.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 22, 2025
He… pic.twitter.com/qWYlqpn2KE
He added, “Earlier he was called unfit and overweight. Now he has reduced his weight by 17 kilograms. The entire nation is questioning why, despite this, he is not being picked for the Indian team. People are asking, 'What was the selection criteria? Why has he not been selected?' Questions will be asked. Was his name or surname the reason? Selectors should explain. A young talent such as him should not be ruined.”
Earlier, Congress leader Shama Mohamed, who had stirred controversy in March by allegedly fat-shaming India’s then-ODI captain Rohit Sharma, posted on X: “Is Sarfaraz Khan not selected because of his surname! #justasking. We know where Gautam Gambhir stands on that matter.”
Former India opener Gautam Gambhir, the current head coach of the national team, was also an MP of the ruling BJP, representing the East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency from 2019 to 2024.
The controversy over Sarfaraz Khan’s mission emerged on Tuesday, when his name was missing from the India 'A' squad for the upcoming series against South Africa 'A'.
The 28-year-old made his international debut during England’s Test tour of India in January–March 2024. He last represented the national team during New Zealand’s visit in October–November 2024—a series in which India was whitewashed 3-0, marking the team’s first home Test series defeat since losing to England in 2012–13.
Sarfaraz was also picked for India’s Test tour of Australia in November 2024 but did not play a single match, as Australia won the five-match series 3-1.
You may also like
Hip-hop legends Wu-Tang Clan announces Dubai dates for their farewell 'Final Chamber' tour
Bihar polls: RJD candidate breaks down after her nomination was cancelled
4 killed, 16 injured as vehicle falls into gorge in Bengal's Darjeeling
Lakeland's cosy electric blanket is 'perfect for winter nights' and now it's on sale
When does Trigger Point series 3 start, cast list and how many episodes are there?
