Former Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi has expressed his ‘surprise’ over Cricket South Africa (CSA) decision to allow his player to participate in the IPL in the middle of the ongoing series against Babar Azam’s men. His comment came after Pakistan won the ODI Series 2-1 against the Hosts.
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Shahid Afridi said he was surprised to see South African players leaving for the IPL amid the ongoing series against Pakistan (Twitter Images)
STRONG POINTS
- Shahid Afridi expressed surprise at Cricket South Africa’s decision to allow its players to travel for IPL
- Pakistan are in South Africa to play 7 white ball matches against host
- Afridi’s statement came after Pakistan won the ODI Series 2-1 in the absence of Miller, Rabada, Nortje, Ngidi and Kock
Former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi is “surprised” and “sad” to see Cricket South Africa (CSA) allow their players to travel to India for the 2021 IPL. He called for rethinking after voicing concerns regarding the T20 leagues influencing international cricket.
The former captain’s comments come after Pakistan won the ODI Series 2-1 over host South Africa on Wednesday. Notably, South African stars Kagiso Rabada, Quinton de Kock, Anrich Nortje, David Miller and Lungi Ngidi left to play in the IPL after South Africa’s 17-point victory over Babar Azam’s men in the 2nd. ODI.
A series of 4 T20I matches is also set to begin between the two nations from April 10.
“Amazing to see @OfficialCSA allowing players to travel for the IPL in the middle of a series. It’s sad to see T20 leagues influencing international cricket. Cricket needs to be rethought !!”, Shahid Afridi tweeted afterwards congratulating Pakistan on winning the series. .
Surprising to see @OfficialCSA allowing players to travel to IPL in the middle of a series. It is sad to see the T20 leagues influencing international cricket. We must rethink !! https://t.co/5McUzFuo8R
– Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) April 7, 2021
With the 14th edition scheduled for April 9, Rabad, Nortje (both Delhi Capitas), de Kock (Mumbai Indians), Miller (Rajasthan Royals) and Ngidi (Chennai Super Kings) have joined their respective teams in India.
Speaking of the 3rd ODI, Pakistan became only the 2nd touring team after Australia to win at least 2 bilateral ODI series against South Africa in South Africa. Fakhar Zaman’s brilliant 101 and Captain Babar Azam’s quickfire 94 helped Pakistan beat South Africa by 28 points in the 3rd ODI at Centurion SuperSport Park on Wednesday. With this victory, the visitors sealed the 3-game ODI 2-1 series.