Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has hit out at what he called “double standards” after head coach Gautam Gambhir was stopped from walking near the pitch during a routine inspection at The Oval.
Reacting to reports of a spat between Gambhir and the ground’s curator Lee Fortis, Pathan posted on social media: “So an English coach can walk onto the pitch, but an Indian coach can’t? Are we still stuck in the colonial era?” He also pointed to an old image from the 2023 Ashes showing England coach Brendon McCullum standing on the same pitch with the same curator.
The comment has sparked a wider debate over the treatment of visiting teams, with many questioning why different standards apply depending on who is inspecting the pitch.
READ IRFAN PATHAN’S VIRAL TWEET ON THE SITUATION
‘We Know the Protocols,’ Says Kotak
According to reports, Gambhir and his staff were told to maintain a 2.5-metre distance from the surface ahead of the fifth Test. India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, who was present at the scene, confirmed that even carrying a cooler onto the ground was stopped.
“We were only doing a standard inspection. This Test is important, and we know the protocols. Curators must understand they’re speaking to experienced professionals,” Kotak said.
Tensions Rise Ahead of Decider
The incident adds more tension ahead of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy decider starting Thursday. England captain Ben Stokes had earlier questioned Indian batters for continuing their innings in the drawn fourth Test. Now, off-field drama is threatening to overshadow the series finale.
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