Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi has strongly criticized Cricket South Africa (CSA). As CSA released many of its star players to play in IPL 2021 in the middle of the ODI series of 3 matches against Pakistan (SA vs PAK).
The comments from the former captain come after Pakistan won the ODI series 2-1 against hosts South Africa on Wednesday. Notably, South Africa stars Kagiso Rabada, Quinton de Kock, Anrich Nortje, David Miller, and Lungi Ngidi left to play in the IPL after South Africa’s 17-run win over Pakistan in the 2nd ODI.
Pakistan cricket team beat South Africa by 28 runs in the third ODI to win the 3-match series 2-1. In response to the 321 runs put by Pakistan, the South African team collapsed for 292 runs with 3 balls left.
Afridi tweeted on his official Twitter handle on social media, ‘It is sad to see that the T20 league is dominating international cricket.’ The IPL starts on 9 April. Quinton de Kock has to play for Mumbai Indians while Rabada has to play for Delhi Capitals.
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
Afridi wrote, ‘I am surprised to see that the South Africa Cricket Board allowed the players to go to the middle of the series to play in the IPL. There is a need to rethink it. ‘
Shahid Afridi congratulated the team on winning the series under the captaincy of Babar Azam. Afridi tweeted, ‘Congratulations to the Pakistan team on a great win. It was nice to see Fakhar playing a century inning. Babar then showed his class. Bowling was also amazing.
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
The first ODI of the series was won by Pakistan by three wickets, while South Africa made a great comeback in the second ODI and won by 17 runs. The 4-match T20 series will be played between the two teams from April 10.
