Curious case of Munaf

MUMBAI, December 22: Enigmatic paceman Munaf Patel was to fly out to Australia as the 17th man in time for the third Test at Perth, but now that seems unlikely. Poor communication between the fast bowler, his employers Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) and the BCCI is the reason for the change in plans.
Munaf, down with a back strain, was to play the last round Ranji match for Maharashtra against Karnataka at Ratnagiri from Dec 25-28.But the 24-year-old has not been chosen to play the game by MCA. Reason: MCA claim despite repeated attempts they have been unable to contact him.
The confusion began when Indian team physio John Gloster advised that the bowler needed more match practice. The selectors also wanted him to train at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) under Dav Whatmore and his staff. But all that was not communicated to Munaf by the Board. Instead sources close to the bowler claim he was asked to rest at his hometown Ikhar.
BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah refused to comment on the faux paus. "Match-practice is more important, he could have played the last two rounds. Now he can play the domestic One-dayers to prove his fitness," said Shah.
On the other hand, MCA assumed the pacer would play the Dec 17-20 game against Saurashtra as well, but the bowler did not show up.
Oddly, Munaf considered his selection a given for Maharashtra’s last Ranji game against Karnataka and even made travel plans, keeping his parent association (MCA) in the loop. Unable to reach Munaf, the MCA excluded him from the game against Karnataka. However, as a last ditch effort, all through Saturday the bowler, through his emissaries, kept contacting MCA but to no avail. The matter has been left for the MCA president to decide.