Sandeep Patil prefers to watch Ranji Trophy than go to World Cup

Mumbai, Feb 25: Chief selector Sandeep Patil rejected the Board's offer to go and watch the Indian team play in the World Cup and preferred to watch domestic cricket instead.

World Cup Special

BCCI wanted Patil to go to Australia and watch Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his men defend the title, but he declined to go as he felt that his role as well as that of his co-selectors ended once they had picked the Cup squad, informed sources told PTI.

"He felt it was more helpful to watch domestic cricket, with the Ranji Trophy reaching its climax, than go to Australia for the World Cup. This is in total contrast to what has happened in Pakistan," the sources said.

Interestingly, Pakistan's selection panel chief Moin Khan has got into trouble with the country's cricket board (PCB) following media revelations that he had visited a casino during his stay in Australia.

The former wicketkeeper-batsman has been asked to return home and he might be stripped of his post, according to indications. Meanwhile, Patil is in Kolkata watching the semi final between Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra at the Eden Gardens.

PTI