After 16 matches of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), Mayank Yadav of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) has emerged as a standout performer. His remarkable display of pace, highlighted by recording the fastest delivery in IPL 2024, has garnered widespread acclaim. However, amidst the accolades, a Pakistan reporter, Farid Khan, sparked controversy with his assertion regarding Mayank’s preparation for the T20 World Cup.
Farid Khan’s Assertion and Subsequent Backlash
Farid Khan, in a social media post, alleged that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is grooming Mayank Yadav for the upcoming T20 World Cup. He claimed that the LSG bowling coach, Mornel Morkel, who previously worked with the Pakistan team, is involved in Mayank’s training regimen. According to Khan, Morkel is facilitating Mayank’s preparation by showcasing videos of Pakistani bowlers such as Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah.
Social Media Reaction and Criticism
Khan’s assertion sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with many users expressing skepticism and ridiculing the claim. The alleged involvement of BCCI in Mayank’s preparation for the T20 World Cup, coupled with Morkel’s role, raised eyebrows within the cricketing community.
Support for Mayank’s Inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup Squad
Despite the controversy, former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has voiced his support for Mayank Yadav’s inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup squad. Tiwary believes that Mayank’s consistent performance in the IPL warrants consideration, positioning him as a viable third pace-bowling option alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.
While Mayank Yadav continues to impress on the field, the controversy surrounding Farid Khan’s claim adds an intriguing layer to his journey. As discussions around India’s T20 World Cup squad intensify, Mayank’s performance and potential inclusion remain subjects of debate and speculation.
