Shahid Afridi questions South Africa for allowing players to go to IPL amid series vs Pakistan

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has said he is surprised and sad to see Cricket South Africa (CSA) allowing its players to travel to India for the IPL midway through a series. Afridi’s comments came after Pakistan beat a depleted South Africa team in the third ODI on Wednesday to clinch the three-match series 2-1.

Just before the series-decider, South Africa’s biggest names – Kagiso Rabada, Quinton de Kock, Anrich Nortje, David Miller, and Lungi Ngidi – left to play in the IPL. All the players were part of South Africa’s playing eleven for the second ODI which they won by 17 runs to draw level in the series. In their absence, South Africa could not get over the line in the final game and lost it by 28 runs.

Pakistan, on the other hand, became only the second touring team after Australia to win at least two bilateral ODI series against South Africa in South Africa. Asked to bat first, Pakistan posted a big total of 320 for 7 in the allotted 50 overs. Their top-three did the bulk of the scoring. In-form opener Fakhar Zaman scored his second consecutive century as he played a sublime knock of 101 while his opening partner Imam-ul-Haq scored 57.

Shahid Afridi surprised by CSA

Pakistan’s captain and No.3 Babar Azam also played a quickfire knock of 94 to guide Pakistan to a good total. Towards the end, Hasan Ali smashed 32 off just 11 balls to help Pakistan cross the 300-run mark. In reply, South Africa were all out for 292. Openers Janneman Malan and Aiden Markram added 54 runs for the first wicket but from thereon, the Proteas kept losing at regular intervals. At one stage, they were reeling at 140 for 5.

A 108-run stand between Kyle Verreynne and Aiden Phehlukwayo then steadied the ship for the home side but another collapse ended their hopes of winning the game. Soon after the game ended, Shahid Afridi took to Twitter to question CSA for allowing the players to go to India for IPL during a series. He also stated that ‘some rethinking needs to be done’ on T20 leagues influencing international cricket, tweeting:

“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!!”

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

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