Former Pakistan Cricket Team skipper Shahid Afridi has voiced a strong opinion against Cricket South Africa after Proteas players were allowed to leave the limited-overs series against Pakistan mid-way to join their respective Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises. In a year of ICC T20 World Cup, cricket boards across the world see the IPL 2021 as the most ideal preparatory platform which has not gone down well with Afridi.
Incidentally, South African players like Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje to name a few couldn’t be a part of the 3rd ODI against Pakistan having left for India ahead of the start of IPL 2021 which is on April 9 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The absence of senior cricketers proved to be decisive for the home side as they lost the final ODI to lose the series 2-1 in favour of Pakistan.
Shahid Afridi slams Cricket South Africa
In the wake of it, Shahid Afridi took to Twitter to question Cricket South Africa’s decision to leave players for a franchise-based T20 league in the midway of an international series.
“Surprising to see @OfficialCSA allowing players to travel for IPL in the middle of a series. It is sad to see T20 leagues influencing international cricket. Some rethinking needs to be done!!” the former Pakistan all-rounder tweeted.
Surprising to see @OfficialCSA allowing players to travel for IPL in the middle of a series. It is sad to see T20 leagues influencing international cricket. Some rethinking needs to be done!! https://t.co/5McUzFuo8R
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) April 7, 2021
Speaking of the ODI series, Pakistan defeated South Africa by 28 runs to win the 3-match series 2-1. Shahid Afridi also took to Twitter to congratulate his countrymen, especially Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam who were crucial to the team’s success in the land of Nelson Mandela. Fakhar has been spectacular with the bat hitting two centuries in three matches to return with the man of the series award.
“Congratulations to Pakistan on a fine series win. Great to see Fakhar follow his brilliant innings in Jo’Burg with another 100. Babar was once again all class, excellent bowling effort by all. A job well done,” wrote Shahid Afridi, congratulating Pakistan on their win.
Congratulations to Pakistan on a fine series win. Great to see Fakhar follow his brilliant innings in Jo'Burg with another 100. Babar was once again all class, excellent bowling effort by all. A job well done 👏👏👏 🇵🇰
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) April 7, 2021
