South Africa-New Zealand series
Rabada criticizes CSA for New Zealand Test series scheduling fiasco
|| CF DESK ||
South Africa's Kagiso Rabada was disappointed about missing a two-Test series against New Zealand due to scheduling issues. Rabada claimed they were not given a choice and called the situation "unacceptable."
As many as seven uncapped players were named for the series which was a part of the World Test Championship (WTC), even as first-choice players were involved in the SA20 league at home.
Neil Brand, who captained the team in New Zealand, made his Test debut during the opening game in Mount Maunganui and the host expectedly won the series 2-0.
"It was very very unacceptable and remains unacceptable to date. It was obviously a planning issue. It is unacceptable that is all I would say about that," said Rabada.
“If I can go back on that point, it is not fair to go at the players. It is not fair to say that players are being picked and they got free Test caps. I don’t think it is fair to put that criticism on the players. They simply got asked to go there, and at the end of the day, they are not going to say no,” he said.
“That is a planning issue and it has got to do with what is happening at the higher level; what happened with Cricket South Africa. It was basically a double book, that was what it was.”
The fast-bowler also expressed disappointment about countries other than India, England, and Australia not having the same opportunities to become powerful cricket nations due to the lack of financial advantages.
"When it comes to countries excluding India, England and Australia, it is quite unfortunate. The way that I see it, to become a powerful cricket nation without the advantage of currency and advantage of TV rights,” he added.