The 35-year-old wicket keeper Sheldon Jackson has an excellent record in the India Premier League. He has scored 5,634 runs in first-class cricket, averaging an impressive 49.42 runs per game. He has hit 19 hundreds and 27 half-centuries.
Yet despite these impressive statistics, he is yet to be selected for the National cricket team.
Sheldon Jackson has now spoken publicly about why he thinks this might be.
Age discrimination alleged in Indian cricket
Questions about ageism in the National cricket team selection have started to brew in Jackson’s mind. He has said that he cannot understand how younger players with worse records are being selected for the Indian team and not him.
For example, compare the recent records of both KS Bharat and Sheldon Jackson. Both played 79 first-class matches. Jackson averaged at 50 with 19 centuries, whilst Bharat averaged just 39 with 9 centuries.
KS Bharat was called to the Indian national squad and now plays as the backup for Rishabh Pant for the England tour.
Ageism in cricket selection?
Jackson states that he has been told numerous of times that he is “too old” for the Test side.
Other players selected are usually in their 20’s. Jackson believes he is not being given a fair chance at the National cricket team selection because of his age.
“There has been no communication (on why I was not picked) but once I asked someone what more I need to do, I was told I am old. They told me that above 30, we are not picking anyone. But ultimately, after a year, they picked someone who was around 32-33. I was very vocal that is there any law that once you’re above 30, 35, or even 40 you cannot get picked? Then why don’t you come out with the law itself?”
The KKR wicket-keeper stated that he channels his frustration at not being selected into his game. He states that he uses it as motivation and is determined to prove to himself that he is capable every time.
Find out more about age discrimination in India in our international section.