Yusuf Pathan, a key member of the 2011 World Cup winning squad, was provoked into physically assaulting a fan when he was allegedly racially abused. The incident happened when Pathan was representing Baroda at a Ranji match against Jammu and Kashmir, earlier this week.
According to sources, an onlooker from the stands started abusing Pathan, while the latter was on the field. “What was said to Pathan was so insulting and derogatory, that it wasn’t possible to ignore. His reaction may not have been warranted, but it was understandable,” adds the source.
Now it may be interesting to observe how the Indian cricket board (BCCI) responds to the incident. Insiders say it is unlikely the BCCI will serve Pathan with a very strict punishment because it has taken a sympathetic view of the incident.
Otherwise the BCCI takes a stern view of players indulging their tempers. However one board official, on condition of anonymity, said Pathan could even face a ban for an offence of this nature. Within the next few days it will be clearer if Pathan will actually pay a heavy penalty for reacting the way he has.
