Shaheen Afridi’s workload over a wide period has been concerning for Pakistan ever since he assumed more responsibility in white-ball cricket.
Former pace greats of Pakistan Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis criticized the decision to rest fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi in the third and final Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with Akram warning players to decide if they want to be the greats of their sport or a millionaire by playing T20 cricket. After Pakistan lost the series 2-0, Shaheen has been rested from the final Test at Sydney, which is also Australia opener David Warner’s farewell Test.
Wasim claimed that the decision “had nothing to do with the management” and was “solely [Shaheen’s] decision.” He warned players to decide “if you want to be a great of the game or do you want to be a millionaire” while prioritizing formats.
Wasim said, “Straight after this, there are five T20s in New Zealand, and Shaheen’s the captain.”
“But T20 cricket, who cares? I understand that it is there for entertainment and for financial gain for cricket boards and players, but cricketers should know that Test cricket is the ultimate.”
He concluded, “If we talk about what happened 20 years ago in this Test in Sydney, nobody knows what happened last night in the T20. That’s the difference. These guys have to understand and learn if you want to be a great gamer or a millionaire. You can become both, but with a little more sense.”
