South Africa Vs Pakistan 2021: Surprising To See CSA Allowing Players To Travel For IPL In The Middle Of A Series: Shahid Afridi

Former Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi is “surprised” and “sad” to see Cricket South Africa allow its players to leave for India to participate in the Indian Premier League amid an international assignment.

Afridi has called for a rethinking after citing concern against the global influence of T20 leagues on international cricket.

Shahid Afridi’s comments come after South Africa fielded a playing XI sans their first-choice players like Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, David Miller, Quinton de Kock, and Lungi Ngidi, all of whom left for India after the 2nd ODI to participate in the Indian Premier League that starts on April 09.

Nevertheless, Pakistan won the series 2-1 and in the process, they have now become only the second team in the world after Australia to beat South Africa in more than one ODI bilateral series in their own den.

”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!!,” Shahid Afridi tweeted after congratulating Pakistan on the series win.

Coming back to the series-decider at the SuperSport Park in Centurion, Pakistan’s win was set up by its top-3 and a brilliant cameo by Hasan Ali that helped the visitors post 320 in 50 overs.

In response, South Africa kept losing wickets for regular intervals and while Janneman Malan, Kyle Verreynne, Andile Phehlukhwayo smashed half-centuries, the home side did not get anywhere close to the target and was eventually dismissed for 292 in the last over.

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Here’s what Shahid Afridi tweeted-

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