'Don't play T20Is too, go home and take rest' - Shoaib Akhtar's dig at Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz for not prioritizing Test cricket

Shoaib Akhtar also opined that the nation should try and invest more in youngsters.

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Shoaib Akhtar
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Shoaib Akhtar. (Photo Source: Facebook)

Test cricket is considered the ultimate format of the game for the resilience and character it demands. Hence, playing Test cricket is a testament to a player’s skills. Speaking about the way the longest format is been dealt with by some of the Pakistani players, Shoaib Akhtar has taken a dig on Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz.

Putting forward his thoughts while talking to Cricket Pakistan, the former pacer said that if it was in his power, he would make Test cricket compulsory for the players. Shoaib also added that if the players wish otherwise about it then they would not be permitted to play for the country. “If the policies were in my hand, I would have told the players that if you want to play for Pakistan then you have to play Test cricket” Akhtar asserted.

Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz had previously announced their retirement from Test cricket with the aim to focus more on the shorter formats of the game. Thus, taking into account the fitness aspect of the game, Shoaib said that he would still manage the player’s fitness and make them train, but they need to also focus on the red-ball cricket or else shouldn’t even play the T20Is.

“I will manage you, I will make you a star. I want 12 Tests in a year and I will make you train and teach you. Even then if he doesn’t do the needful, no central contract. You won’t even play T20s”.

Shoaib Akhtar on investing in the young players of the country

The former speedster believes that if Test cricket is not being prioritized by the players then they shouldn’t be allowed to play the T20 games too. Highlighting his thoughts on the future of Pakistan cricket, Shoaib Akhtar opined that the nation should try and invest more in youngsters.

He also reckoned that doing so would be beneficial to produce some great talents for the country. Taking it further, he told that he would rather focus on the young talents from all over the country and work on them.

“I will tell them to not play T20Is too and go home and take rest. I would rather work with 16-year-olds. I would bring boys from all over Pakistan and invest in them.” Shoaib concluded.

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