It has become clear now that the burnout issue is being looked at from opposite poles in the Indian team these days. For one group it’s too much cricket. Others say it’s fine if you are passionate enough about the game. They feel the BCCI is adhering to ICC guidelines.The latest to join the debate is Irfan Pathan. He feels that when the Board prepares an itinerary it keeps the players’ interest and workload in mind. “We are contracted with the BCCI, so whatever the BCCI schedule says, we have to play accordingly and they look at various issues before the schedules are finalised,” Pathan, who was on a promotional visit to the city, said.On the upcoming tour of the West Indies, Pathan said he was looking forward to his first visit to the Caribbeans, because that country provides a lot many things different, compared to countries that he has played in. “It is going to be very important, especially because this will be the first time I will be going there. And since we will be playing the World Cup there next year, we can have a taste of the conditions,” Pathan said. Responding to a question on why he does not think himself to be a recognised all-rounder despite having a couple of good knocks with the bat, he said: “I want to lead the fast bowling attack, give the team the breakthroughs early and whenever needed. I am lucky to have contributed with the bat as well. Be it batting or bowling I am happy if my contribution helps the team do well,” he said.Pathan also said that if he had reached the top of all-rounders’ rankings it was because he never bothered to be there. “I am the number three all-rounder in the world now and it has happened because I never thought about it. I don’t believe in rankings and that has helped me perform well. So, I am going to continue that way, I don’t want to think about the rankings,” he said.Pathan is third in the ODI all-rounders’ list, behind Shaun Pollock and Andrew Flintoff, and fourth after Flintoff, Jacques Kallis and Pollock in Tests in the ICC players’ rankings.“I also tell myself to give 100 percent in whatever I do. When I am bowling, I tell myself that I have to give the team the breakthrough. It is the same when I am batting but it does not always happen like that but I try my best,” Pathan said. On a parting note, Pathan said that he wished continued to perform the way he has done since making his debut in Australia in 2004.
