Shaheen Afridi Rested in Sydney Test Sparks Debate: Waugh and Akram Blast Decision, Lament State of Test Cricket
The final Test of the Australia-Pakistan series saw a curious move: star Pakistani quick Shaheen Afridi missing the action. The official reason? Workload management. But this decision has drawn sharp criticism from legends like Mark Waugh and Wasim Akram, igniting a wider discussion about the future of Test cricket.
Waugh, baffled by the absence of Pakistan’s spearhead, argued for Afridi’s inclusion on the iconic stage. “He should be playing, It’s an iconic Test match” Waugh said on Fox Cricket.
“On a serious point, there’s three Test matches in Australia, it’s a big tour for Pakistan, they’re 2-0 down. I know he’s bowled some overs, but it’s Test match cricket; it’s tough, it’s meant to be tough.”
He emphasized the toughness and importance of Test cricket, suggesting Afridi could have bowled in shorter bursts alongside the spinners. To him, resting the team’s leader for a T20 series felt unacceptable.
Akram, a Pakistani fast bowling legend himself, took a different angle. He claimed the decision was likely Afridi’s own, driven by the lure of T20 riches. In a passionate outburst, he said, “That’s solely his [Shaheen’s] decision; nothing to do with management.”
“Straight after this they’re [playing] five T20s in New Zealand and he’s the captain. But T20 cricket — who cares? I understand; it’s there for entertainment, it’s there for financial gain.”
“But cricketers should know that Test cricket is the ultimate. We talk about what happened 20 years ago at this Test match here in Sydney. No body knows what happened last night in the T20 game. So Tests are different.
“So these guys have to understand and learn: I really want to be a great of the game, I really want to become a billionaire.”
Afridi’s absence isn’t an isolated incident. South Africa’s recent Test squad overhaul, opting for uncapped players to prioritize a domestic T20 tournament, adds fuel to the fire.
Waugh highlighted the wider issue of players choosing lucrative T20 leagues over Test commitments due to inadequate financial incentives. He proposed a “premium regulation fee” for Test cricket to entice players back to the longer format.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood defended the decision, citing Afridi’s high workload and the team’s commitment to managing player wellbeing. He acknowledged the need to balance match significance with workload management, especially for multi-format players.
The controversy surrounding Afridi’s rest reflects a deeper concern about the future of Test cricket. While T20’s popularity soars, the traditional format faces threats from player priorities and financial disparities.
Waugh and Akram’s passionate voices raise important questions: how can Test cricket retain its survival in the face of the T20 juggernaut? The answer lies in striking a balance between financial incentives, player workloads, and recognizing the unique historical and sporting significance of Test cricket.
