INDvsAFG One-off Test: Manjrekar Criticizes BCCI Committee for Not Selecting Auqib Nabi

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has strongly criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors for excluding Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi from the squad for the upcoming one-off Test series against Afghanistan. Speaking during Sportstar’s Insight Edge Podcast, Manjrekar questioned the logic behind the decision and described the omission as a major injustice to a player who delivered exceptional performances in domestic cricket throughout the Ranji Trophy season.

Manjrekar’s remarks came after Nabi played a key role in Jammu and Kashmir’s historic maiden Ranji Trophy title win. The pacer finished the tournament with 60 wickets and was named Player of the Tournament for his match-winning contributions across the season. Despite his outstanding record, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee overlooked him for national selection, triggering criticism from several former cricketers and analysts.

The former India batter argued that domestic cricket loses its value if outstanding performances are ignored at the national selection stage. He said the selectors had missed a clear opportunity, especially with senior pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami unavailable for the Afghanistan assignment. According to Manjrekar, Nabi’s inclusion should have been straightforward considering the vacancies in India’s pace attack and the form he displayed during the domestic campaign.

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Manjrekar also recalled earlier eras of Indian cricket when controversial selection decisions often led to widespread protests and public debates. He noted that while criticism today largely remains confined to social media, the frustration surrounding Nabi’s exclusion reflects deeper concerns about the importance given to domestic performances. He further stated that such decisions discourage players who consistently perform in first-class cricket with hopes of earning a national call-up.

Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar had also expressed similar views earlier, reportedly stating that domestic cricket should be scrapped altogether if selectors continue to ignore players with performances as dominant as Nabi’s. The criticism highlights a growing debate over the balance between rewarding domestic consistency and investing in younger or long-term prospects within the Indian cricket system.

India’s squad selection for the Afghanistan Test series has already generated significant discussion among cricket followers, particularly regarding the pace bowling department. While the selectors may have prioritized other combinations and future planning, the omission of a player with Nabi’s recent record has intensified scrutiny on the selection process. The debate is expected to continue as fans and former players question whether domestic cricket achievements are receiving the recognition they deserve at the highest level.

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