On Wednesday, South Africa hosted Pakistan for their 3rd and final ODI of the series. Pakistan clinched the series 2-1. Now both sides will lock horns in the five-match T20I series from Saturday. Many players including Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Chris Morris were not part of the third match against Pakistan due to the IPL. IPL campaign begins from 9th April and all these players left for India to play in the T20 league.
Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has criticised Cricket South Africa (CSA) for allowing their players to leave international cricket to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Afridi said it is sad that T20 leagues are influencing international cricket.
Shahid Afridi Question SA Players Loyalty For Choosing T20 League
In a tweet, Afridi said, “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!!”
Pakistan won the ODI series by 2-1 after winning the final game by 28 runs on Wednesday. In response to the 321 runs put by Pakistan, the South African team collapsed for 292 runs with 3 balls left. Pakistan have become the second team after Australia to win two bilateral ODI series in South Africa after successfully defending 321 in the decider. Fakhar Zaman scores his second consecutive centuries and Babar Azam scored a brilliant 94 runs knock which Pakistan win the series.
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’.
South African players will be seen playing in the 14th edition of the IPL, which will get underway from April 9 as defending champions Mumbai Indians will begin their campaign against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Friday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The 4-match T20 series will be played between the two teams from April 10 and South Africa will be without their main players.
