Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has said that it was surprising to see Cricket South Africa (CSA) allowing players to leave for the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the middle of an ongoing international series.
Significantly, Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje were among the South African cricketers who were allowed to leave toparticipate in the IPL teams after the second ODI of their three-match series against Pakistan.
“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!!” Afridi tweeted.
The series, which was levelled 1-1, was won by the Freen Brigade as they won the third ODI by 28 runs.
Additionally, New Zealand could be without captain Kane Williamson and frontline fast bowlers Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson and Lockie Ferguson in their upcoming Test series against England if the trio’s respective IPL teams end up reaching the final.
England themselves could be missing players like Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes among others if their teams end up reaching the IPL final.