Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has shared his views on Gulbadin Naib’s controversial time-wasting tactic of faking cramps in the all-important 2024 T20 World Cup Super 8 encounter between Bangladesh and Afghanistan on Monday, June 24. The clash was also crucial for Australia as their qualification for the semi-final was dependent on this as well.
However, Naib had slid down on the ground clutching his hamstring, right after Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott asked to slow down the proceedings. The rain had just about made another appearance and Bangladesh were just one run behind the DLS par score as well.
Naib’s move proved to be inconsequential as play resumed and Afghanistan eventually won by eight runs to reach the knockouts as well.
“If the sniper got another player of a different team, not mentioning the team, there would be a bit more circus about it. Just let it go and allow Afghanistan to celebrate this win, I think it is that special to them. I don’t think any Australian can be kicking too many stones because we are not squeaky clean when it comes to that type of stuff,” Michael Clarke said on ESPN’s Around the Wicket.
After returning to the field, Naib was not only bowled freely but also claimed a wicket and led the celebrations after Afghanistan beat
Bangladesh to reach the semi-finals as well. And, Australia’s aspirations of holding all major ICC titles at once were gone after a bleak 2024 T20 World Cup campaign as well.
“I think now is the time, to be honest. I used to think, leading up to the World Cup, you play your best team, and age does not matter. But, after the World Cup campaign, the selectors should have an eye on the next World Cup. I don’t think Dave will be the only one who played his last game for Australia,” Clarke said again.
“I’m not too concerned about how old the players are, but I think with how much cricket we have, and just about all these guys getting involved in the domestic T20 leagues around the world, and not just the IPL. That’s going to take up more time and commitment as well. So, I’d be surprised if there’s not a number of players that didn’t play their last T20I game for Australia,” Michael Clarke concluded.
