Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis criticise Shaheen Afridi for skipping Sydney Test | AUS vs PAK

Pakistani legends Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis have unleashed a fierce critique on Pakistan's leading fast bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi, following his absence from the third Test against Australia in Sydney.

The criticism primarily stems from Shaheen's decision to prioritize T20 cricket, particularly as he steps into his new role as the T20 captain for Pakistan.

Wasim Akram expressed his disappointment on Fox Cricket, emphasizing the importance of Test cricket over T20s. “Straight after this [Sydney Test] there are five T20s in New Zealand, and Shaheen’s the captain,” Wasim remarked. “But T20 cricket, who cares? I understand it’s there for entertainment and financial gain, but cricketers should know that Test cricket is the ultimate.”

He further stressed the significance of Test matches in a player's legacy, contrasting it with the fleeting nature of T20 games. “If we talk about what happened 20 years ago in this Test in Sydney, nobody knows what happened last night in T20. That’s the difference. These guys have to understand and learn if you want to be a great of the game or do you want to be a millionaire. You can become both but with a little more sense,” Akram added.

Echoing Akram's sentiments, Waqar Younis also expressed his frustration with Shaheen’s decision, finding it amusing yet disappointing. Speaking to Channel 7, Waqar said, “We play for Test match cricket. We don’t play for T20s or one-day cricket. And if you’re missing Test match cricket purely because you are being rested, I do not understand. That’s a real shocker for me because I was expecting him to be a part of this Test match.”

Despite the criticism, Shaheen defended the decision of the team management and medical team to rest him for the Sydney Test. In an interview with Channel 7, he explained, “I played two games, and a lot of overs to be honest. They’re just managing my workload, the medical team and team management decided to take a rest for this (Test).”

The left-armer's absence has undoubtedly sparked a debate on the prioritization of formats in modern cricket, especially among fast bowlers like himself.

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