Tag: South Africa Cricket Board

  • Afridi ‘sad to see’ South Africa release players for IPL amid Pakistan series

    Shahid Afridi has criticised Cricket South Africa (CSA) for releasing their players for the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the middle of the three-match ODI series against Pakistan.

    Following Pakistan’s 2-1 ODI series win over South Africa, the former all-rounder said: “Surprising to see CSA 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,” he added.

    South Africa, playing without several star players — including Quinton de Kock and Kagiso Rabada — showed great grit and determination but eventually suffered a 28-run loss in the third and final ODI. 

    Anrich Nortje, who was a serious threat to Pakistani batsmen, and David Miller also left to play IPL 2021 in India.

    Meanwhile, Afridi also congratulated Pakistan on their “fine series win”. He was particularly impressed with opener Fakhar Zaman who scored back-to-back centuries in the last two ODIs and played a key role in Pakistan’s win. Afridi also praised the batting of Pakistan skipper Babar Azam, who missed out on his century by just six runs in the third ODI, getting out to Andile Phehlukwayo on the last ball of their innings.

    “Congratulations to Pakistan on a fine series win. Great to see Fakhar follow his brilliant innings in Jo’Burg with another 100. Babar was once again all class, excellent bowling effort by all. A job well done,” said Afridi.

    The national side clinched the series 2-1 with a comfortable 28-run win at Centurion, becoming the first ever Asian team to win a bilateral series twice in South Africa.

    Singer turned actor, who seems to have good knowledge of cricket also thrashed CSA, saying: “T20 + [bags of money] > national pride. Sorry to say but @OfficialCSA has let the whole cricketing world down.”

  • South Africa to make historic Pakistan tour in January after 14 years

    South Africa to make historic Pakistan tour in January after 14 years

    South Africa will tour Pakistan next month for the first time in 14 years to play two tests and three Twenty20 Internationals, officials confirmed on Wednesday.

    The five-day matches will be staged in Karachi from January 26-30 and in Rawalpindi from February 4-8, T20 fixtures will be played in Lahore from 11th February to 14th of February.

    International cricket has returned to Pakistan in the past 15 months following a militant attack on the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore in 2009 that killed six policemen and two civilians.

    “It’s pleasing to see so many countries making a return to Pakistan — a proud, cricket-loving nation,” South Africa’s director of cricket, Graeme Smith, said in a statement.

    “I would like to thank the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the hospitality and transparency they showed our security contingent when they travelled over there a few weeks ago,” he said.

    He added: “The report on their findings and recommendations gives us confidence as an organisation that all of our team’s security, playing and accommodation needs will be met, and that the wellbeing of the team will be the top priority.”

    The Cricket board of South Africa (CSA) also confirmed the tour on Twitter.

    Pakistan captain Babar Azam said that aside from the thrill of playing at home, the tour will also be a chance for his side to test their progress across the two formats.

    “I am delighted that South Africa have confirmed their tour to Pakistan and look forward to captaining my country for the first time in a home Test,” said Azam in a statement.

    “Looking at the calendar of international cricket in 2021, I am pleased we are playing more against the sides which are ranked above us,” he said. “This is critical to not only our learning and development, but also an opportunity to improve our rankings across all formats.”