Shoaib Akhtar shares a 4-min video rant against AB de Villiers, asks him to be a man

Former Pakistan fast-bowler Shoaib Akhtar has slammed AB de Villiers for his offer to come out of international retirement for the ongoing World Cup. The entire cricketing world was left shell shocked when the news came out of De Villiers’ late proposal to South Africa. The dashing batsman had retired from international cricketer last summer, citing that he was mentally tired and wanted to spend time with his family.

At the same time, Mr 360 had continued playing in T20 leagues across the globe while South Africa continued to struggle. And just hours before South Africa were set to announce the final World Cup squad, he made the offer to them. However, the South Africa team-management rejected the offer as they stuck with the players who fought hard in recent times to realise their World Cup dreams.

Akhtar has now berated AB for his actions. In a strongly-worded video on his YouTube channel, Akhtar questioned the timing of De Villiers’ revelations. The legendary pacer went on to say that the retired batsman’s actions were only a gimmick to grab headlines. He also accused AB de of choosing money over country as he insisted that the former South Africa skipper’s decision to quit international cricket was solely motivated for monetary gains.

“Recently AB de Villiers announced that he wants to play for South Africa in the World Cup. This is big news but why is he issuing such statements when South Africa are down and out,” Akhtar said.

“Firstly, people must not forget that there was pressure on AB de Villiers to leave IPL and PSL contracts and make himself available for the World Cup. However, he chose the IPL and PSL, announced an early retirement and recused himself from the World Cup. So basically everything started with finance. I think when he took this decision, he did it looking at his finances and economics,” he added.

Akhtar slams De Villiers’ timing

Shoaib Akhtar questioned the timing of De Villiers’ action. The former cricketer said that the Proteas were struggling even when he had not retired and thus feels that the action was only to clear his name.

“I don’t mind people making money but do it in the right way. If you indeed have to make money then pick and chose correctly but keep your country as the priority. Now to clear your name you made a last-ditch offer to come out of international retirement for this summer’s World Cup. But I think the management was correct in their stand,” said Akhtar.

“Now I think, you wanted to loot the whole mela and become breaking news by coming out into the team but that is not right.” ‘Jab apne faisla kar liya hai tab banda mard ka baccha banta hai aur mard ka baccha tab banta hai jab paise chor deta hai.’ (Be a man and stick to your decision and that is only possible once you let go of the lure of money).

South Africa, meanwhile, are having a tough time in the World Cup as they have lost all of their opening three games. They now need nothing less than a miracle to make it to the semifinal.

Watch the video: