|| CF DESK ||

Former Pakistan pacer Aaqib Javed has claimed that due to the large sums of money involved, it is difficult to prevent players from participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) while on national duty. After the second ODI against Pakistan, top South African players left for the Indian Premier League.

“IPL is very strong as well as India [BCCI] which means that if other boards have to stop there players from going there then they have to pay them a lot of money which is a very difficult thing to do. Players earn around $1.5 million by playing in IPL for one and a half months which is almost double the amount they earn from playing with the national side. Also, South Africa cricket is already struggling due to internal administrative issues,” said Javed in an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan.

Earlier, South Africa’s decision to allow their players to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) while the international series against Pakistan is underway has left former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi unimpressed. Afridi said it was "sad to see T20 leagues influencing international cricket".

Currently, the Proteas are playing four match T20I series against Pakistan without some top players like Quinton de Kock (Mumbai Indians), Kagiso Rabada (Delhi Capitals), Lungi Ngidi (Chennai Super Kings), David Miller (Rajasthan Royals) and Anrich Nortje (Delhi Capitals). They all left to play IPL before the series-deciding last ODI match.

“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” Afridi tweeted [April 7]