We have to play as per BCCI schedule: Irfan

New Delhi, May 10 (UNI) A day after Virender Sehwag was ''verbally'' warned by the BCCI for voicing opinion on its policy matters, a sane Irfan Pathan today ducked questions on Sourav Ganguly and sidestepped the burnout issue saying that the players had to comply with the BCCI schedule.

''All I can say on the (burnout) issue is that we have to play according to the BCCI schedule,'' the Left-Arm seamer said on the sidelines of a product launch by Tata Indicom.

Pathan was even more circumspect on the Sourav Ganguly issue and when asked to comment on the now pariah former captain, the left-arm seamer replied, ''Please restrict your queries to me only. There has been enough controversy on this issue.'' The Vadodara paceman was quite excited about his first trip to the Carribeans and underlined the importance of the upcoming tour for the World Cup 2007 preparations.

''I have heard a lot about West Indies from the guys who have been there. Different venues, different pitches to bowl on and a different culture all together. I am really looking forward to it.'' ''And since we are going to play the World Cup there next year, it adds a whole lot importance to the forthcoming series,'' Pathan said.

Pathan was also reluctant to attach too much of an importance to the ICC rankings which place him at Number three on the allrounders list.

''Believe me, these rankings don't matter much to me. I am ready for what my team demands. If I am bowling, my aim is to get some quick breakthroughs. And while batting, I want to contribute by making some runs,'' he said even as he revealed he always enjoyed wielding the willow.

Asked if the cricketers were spending too much time endorsing brands which, in turn, was affecting their game, Pathan begged to differ.

''Performance and endorsements are related to each other. It's only when we are playing well, we're getting the brands to promote,'' he said.

UNI DH AY GC1527