AIMIM leader Waris Pathan echoed Congress leader Shama Mohamed’s claim that Sarfaraz Khan’s religion might be the reason for his non-selection for the national team. Pathan highlighted Sarfaraz’s impressive first-class record, questioning the selectors’ criteria and urging them to explain the decision. The controversy arose after Sarfaraz’s omission from the India ‘A’ squad. AIMIM’s Waris Pathan; Congress’ Shama Mohammed; Sarfaraz Khan NEW DELHI: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Waris Pathan waded into the controversy over cricketer Sarfaraz Khan’s omission from the national team, backing Congress leader Shama Mohamed’s remark that the Mumbai batter’s religion was behind his continued snub.Also Read – ‘Had I been the selector…’: R Ashwin loses cool over Sarfaraz Khan’s omission, blasts Ajit Agarkar”(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 in a Test against England in February 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. Khan scored a century, 150 runs, in the second innings of the first Test vs New Zealand in Bengaluru . In his six-Test career, he also has three other scores of 50 or more. 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.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPiyush Goyal Highlights India’s Growth Amid Global Trade Challenges at UNCTAD In GenevaJaish-e-Mohammed Launches Online Jihad Course For Women In Pakistan, Targets Mass Recruitment’They Have Room For Certain Kind of…’: Zohran Mamdani Slams PM Modi During Diwali Temple VisitsTejashwi Slams Double-Engine Govt on Corruption,Assures No Seat-Sharing Disputes in MahagathbandhanPunjabi Singer Teji Kahlon Shot in Canada Amid Transnational Gang Feud, Investigation LaunchedPaul Ingrassia Drops Office of Special Counsel Bid Amid ‘Never Trust an Indian’ Racist Message RowVisa Breach Ends India Visit for Blacklisted UK Scholar and Hindi Literature Expert Francesca OrsiniJairam Ramesh Hits Out at PM Modi for Not Clarifying Trump’s Oil Comment’To Celebrate Diwali in Oval Office An Honor’: Kash Patel Tells Donald Trump, Tulsi, Harmeet Join inIndian Journalist Leaves Trump Impressed With Sharp Question At White House Diwali Celebrations123 Photostories 10 modern-sounding Indian names for your new born twinsChhath Puja 2025: 9 traditional foods associated with the 4-day festivalDiwali detox: How to bounce back after festival indulgenceCyclic breathing vs meditation: Which practice can calm the mind more effectivelyFood, fitness and stress: Everyday habits that protect against breast cancerFestive FLOPS: Bollywood star-studded films that failed at the box office during Diwali weekends6 Types of Biryanis from different parts of IndiaIs someone jealous of you? 5 signs to watch forDoctor-approved diet: 4 fruits backed by a US gut specialist to fight colon cancer8 winter destinations to explore in India this November123Hot PicksDhanteras Gold PriceVande Bharat SleeperBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays OctoberBank Holidays OctoberTop TrendingAre Stephen and Ayesha Getting a DivorceEng vs Aus Women Live ScoreAuston MatthewsAnaya BangarMichael JordanTwitch CEOAJ BrownBaker MayfieldConor Mcgregor and Dee Devlin Net WorthF1 Visa Holder
NEW DELHI: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Waris Pathan waded into the controversy over cricketer Sarfaraz Khan’s omission from the national team, backing Congress leader Shama Mohamed’s remark that the Mumbai batter’s religion was behind his continued snub.Also Read – ‘Had I been the selector…’: R Ashwin loses cool over Sarfaraz Khan’s omission, blasts Ajit Agarkar“(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 in a Test against England in February 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. Khan scored a century, 150 runs, in the second innings of the first Test vs New Zealand in Bengaluru . In his six-Test career, he also has three other scores of 50 or more. 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.
