Pathan leaves conference in between

Bhopal, Mar 20: Star Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan’s much-hyped visit to the city of lakes on Thursday turned out to be damp squib, as the all-rounder left the press conference in between following some objectionable comments passed on him by a few photo journalists.

Though, Pathan turned up again and spoke on issues including MS Dhoni’s recent statements on senior players but the annoying episode left the organizers fuming. Pathan was in the city to be a part of Tata Indicom prize distribution programme. He also attended several programmes during his stay. Amid another debate over senior players' berths in Team India, the all-rounder Irfan Pathan said that performance should be the sole yardstick for being in the team. “Skipper MS Dhoni has no equal when it comes to understanding players and boosting morale. During the tri-series Down Under, I was handed the ball in the final over of a key match against the kangaroos. Dhoni has proved his skills in the Twenty20 World Cup earlier and silent his critics after the series in Australia,” he said.

Defending his poor show with bat and bowl in recent games, Pathan said that all players encounter lean patches. ''Bowling is my first love and I thank the Almighty that I am back in form,” he added. Speaking on sledging, the star cricketer asserted performance matters eventually. Refusing to comment on pacer Sreesanth's remark that cricketers were not after Bollywood actresses but things were the other way round, Pathan quipped that no actress was behind him but added that Juhi Chawla was his favourite. Earlier, Pathan inaugurated Inftekhar Memorial Cricket Tournament at Bab-e-Aali Stadium. He also attended programmes at Ankur Ground, BSSS College and IPS College. Pathan arrived in city on Wednesday night by Jet Airways flight. Though, it was not confirmed when he will leave the city, sources claimed that cricketer would fly to Bangalore on Thursday night boarding Deccan Airways flight.