Former Pakistani fast bowling greats Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis have slammed the decision to give rest to Shaheen Shah Afridi before the third Test in Sydney. Wasim Akram has said that the decision was Shaheen Afridi’s alone and was not influenced by the management, stressing that players have to decide whether they want to become great cricketers or prefer financial gain.
Wasim Akram said on Fox Cricket, “After the Sydney Test, we will play five T20 against New Zealand and Shaheen Afridi is the captain of this format, but its T20 cricket, who cares? I understand it’s for entertainment and it’s for financial gain for the cricket boards and the players, but cricketers should know that Test cricket is the ultimate.”
“These players have to understand and learn whether you want to become a great sports player or you want to earn money, you can be both with a little more understanding,” he said.
Waqar Younis expressed surprise at the absence of Shaheen Afridi and said, “I was expecting Shaheen to be a part of the last match because he was looking good before the last match.