By Paritosh Pramanik INDIA pacer Umesh Yadav, who parted ways with Vidarbha a few days ago, has joined Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) for the coming season. Confirming this to ‘The Hitavada’, Yadav, who represented Vidarbha for around 17 years, said he decided to join the Punjab side as he wanted to play for a top team and had never thought to play for any ‘minor’ side. “Yes, I have signed a contract with Punjab and I am thankful to the PCA management for giving me a chance to represent their side. I am highly obliged to PCA as they changed their ‘rules’ by recruiting me as the first professional cricketer in the 34 years history of the association,” Yadav said on Wednesday. “I was in search of a big team which is doing well in the domestic circuit. I was playing for a good team (Vidarbha) no doubt. But when I left Vidarbha, there were murmurs in VCA corridors that Umesh will only get a chance to play for a small team like from Northeast. But I have decided to join a team which is strong and is doing well (in the domestic circuit),” he said. Yadav, who has played 124 First-Class matches and has 380 wickets till date against his name, said he has a few more years of cricket left in him. “I know how much cricket is left in me and I will give my 100 per cent for Punjab,” assured the soon-to-be 39 Yadav. Yadav was pained with the way VCA treated him when he was injured and after his recovery period. “When I got injured, the association (VCA) neglected me. They did not give me any chance to prove myself after my recovery.

 

They did not pick me in either one-day or in any other format last season. I was expecting support from the association after my leg injury which needed surgery. I needed time to give my best. I am not a Superman (to return with a bagful of wickets). From two matches (Ranji) which I played, I did well in one of them but that does not mean I am finished. They gave all powers to the coach and selectors to decide on my future as if they have played more cricket than me and have more experience than I have,” Umesh, who has played 57 Tests and 75 ODIs for India, told this scribe. “I was not comfortable in such an environment which was not conducive for me. Nobody sat and talked with me. Hence, I decided to move to a team which is more adoptive,” Yadav stated. With Punjab’s pacers Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar on India duty, it will be veteran seamer Yadav’s job to deliver with the ball and take along the young bowling unit. “Punjab is a State where cricketers are hungry for success. When I joined them I knew that Arshdeep and Gurnoor will be on India duty and will not be available for the entire domestic season. So it will be my job to take along the young bowling unit along and share my international experience with the team,” Yadav, who has 170 Test wickets under his belt, said. Punjab has included a professional for the first time and Yadav felt that it is a great feeling to be associated with the side with such a rich cricketing culture. “More than feeling proud I am thankful to PCA for giving me the opportunity. I contacted them (PCA) very late as I was being approached by several other States. I am thankful to PCA for giving me an opportunity in such a short period,” said Yadav, who will turn 39 on October 25.