Jammu and Kashmir’s selection for the Irani Cup has raised questions over the omission of India pacer Umran Malik, who was fit and available for selection but did not make the 15-member squad.
Malik’s exclusion comes at a time when J&K will be without two of its key pace options, Auqib Nabi and Yudhvir Singh, who are unavailable for the fixture.
The omission is particularly notable given Malik’s experience at the highest level. The 25-year-old has represented India in international cricket and has built his reputation around his express pace, regularly operating at speeds well above 140 km/h during his breakthrough years.
A former J&K cricketer questioned the decision to leave Malik out of the squad.
“In any other state team in India, Umran Malik will be the first player to walk into the squad. He has played for India and is still the fastest bowler in India. How can he be treated so unfairly?” the former J&K cricketer said.
The former cricketer also questioned the composition of the pace attack selected for the Irani Cup.
“A few pacers J&K have picked in the squad don’t even clock 120 km/h, yet Umran still doesn’t find a place. It is just mind-boggling. Even if you didn’t have to play him in the XI, he should have at least been in the squad,” he added.
Malik’s recent career has been disrupted by injuries and limited opportunities, but his previous performances have established him as one of the fastest bowlers to emerge from Indian domestic cricket in recent years. He has also represented J&K in domestic cricket and has been part of the Indian setup.
With Auqib Nabi unavailable and Yudhvir Singh also out of consideration for the fixture, Malik’s omission naturally raises questions about the selectors’ thinking, particularly given the importance of the Irani Cup and the need for pace options in the squad.
