Hardik Pandya criticizes West Indies Cricket Board over ‘basic arrangements’ during India’s tour

New Delhi: Hardik Pandya has now made headlines with his remarks about the arrangements made by the West Indies Cricket Board during India’s tour.

Following India’s convincing 200-run victory over West Indies in the third ODI, clinching the three-match series 2-1, Hardik Pandya expressed his discontent with the travel plans and other logistical aspects. 

This was the second time in a row that Hardik was leading the team, as regular captain Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli were rested to provide opportunities to younger players like Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad.

During the post-match presentation ceremony, former West Indies opener turned commentator, Daren Ganga, inquired about the facilities at the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium in Tarouba, which hosted its maiden ODI. 

While Hardik lauded the venue as “one of the nicest,” he swiftly shifted the focus to the West Indies Cricket Board’s shortcomings, stressing the need for them to take better care of the visiting teams.

“We don’t ask for luxury, but we need some basic necessities taken care of. From traveling to managing a lot of things, last year also, some hiccups happened. I think it’s time for West Indies Cricket to take note of it and make sure that when a team travels… we need the basic necessities,” stated Hardik Pandya.

Earlier, Indian cricketers had expressed their dissatisfaction to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after facing a nearly four-hour delay in their late-night flight from Trinidad to Barbados. The delay resulted in sleep deprivation for the team before the ODI series opener. The senior players requested the BCCI to avoid late-night flights when there is minimal time between matches.

Despite his strong words off the field, Hardik’s performance on the field was equally impressive. Coming in at No.5, he played a crucial role in India’s highest ODI score in the Caribbean islands, remaining unbeaten on 70 off 52 balls with five sixes and four boundaries.

Following India’s dominant victory over West Indies, Hardik will now lead the team in the five-match T20I series, starting Thursday at the same venue. The upcoming series is expected to be a thrilling contest, and fans are eager to see how the stand-in captain navigates the team through these matches.