Michael Clarke takes a dig at Aussies, mentions 'not squeaky clean' record to defend Gulbadin Naib's fake injury antics

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has joined the debate surrounding Gulbadin Naib's controversial tactics during the final ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Super-8 match between Afghanistan and Bangladesh on Tuesday, June 25, at the Arnos Vale Cricket Stadium in Saint Vincent.

Naib, following the instructions from Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott, faked having cramps to delay the Super-8 match with Bangladesh nearing the DLS par score. However, the Afghanistan cricket team managed to win the game by 8 runs against the Tigers to qualify for the T20 World Cup 2024 semifinals.

Michael Clarke comes out in support of Gulbadin Naib amid backlash over fake injury

However, the incident sparked debate over the 'Spirit of Cricket', with critics arguing that such tactics are unfair, leading a few Australian players to understandably fume at the Afghanistan all-rounder’s action, as they were hoping for Bangladesh to win so that they could qualify for the top-4.

Australian spinner Adam Zampa even poked fun at the former Afghanistan captain’s injury on social media, calling it 'rainstring'. However, Clarke came out in support of Naib while taking a dig at the Australians, saying they can’t criticize or complain about Afghan players much, given their own history.

Michael Clarke said on ESPN's Around the Wicket: “If the sniper got another player of a different team, not mentioning the team, there would be a bit more circus about it. Just let it go and allow Afghanistan to celebrate this win, I think it is that special to them. I don't think any Australian can be kicking too many stones because we are not squeaky clean when it comes to that type of stuff.”

Meanwhile, speaking about Australia’s performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, Clarke predicted a transition phase, as many players are now in their thirties and lacking the specialized skills seen in other contemporary teams in T20I cricket.

Michael Clarke predicts overhaul for Australia after T20 World Cup 2024 disappointment

The former World Cup-winning captain believes that post-World Cup, Australian selectors need to start looking towards the future while predicting that David Warner was not the only player who played his last T20I in the tournament. He feels more players will not be seen in actions in T20Is.

Clarke signed off by saying, “After the World Cup campaign, the selectors should have an eye on the next World Cup. I don't think Dave will be the only one who played his last game for Australia.”

“I'm not too concerned about how old the players are, but I think with how much cricket we have, and just about all these guys getting involved in the domestic T20 leagues around the world, and not just the IPL.”

Notably, Warner had earlier announced that he would retire from international cricket after the 2024 T20 World Cup, having already retired from ODI and Test cricket. However, the left-hander has not yet officially announced his retirement from T20I cricket.