Usman Khawaja is on a hot streak of late. After taking on the ICC for its inconsistent views on clothing rules and regulations, he’s now bashed cricket boards for prioritizing T20 over Test cricket. Khawaja was asked about South Africa sending their B team to New Zealand with 6 uncapped players.
Ahead of the AUS vs PAK 3rd Test in Sydney, Khawaja was quoted by The Age for the comments he made to Fox Cricket. The opener defended South African cricketers for prioritizing T20s due to the low pay they receive for playing international cricket.
“If I was a player from another nation and getting paid ok to play international cricket, I’m getting paid a truckload more to play T20 cricket. I’m sorry, but I’m going to be playing the T20 cricket.”
Usman Khawaja further claimed that most cricketers would love to play for their country, but they have to look after their financial conditions. He highlighted the common sense behind picking T20 ahead of international cricket, as the former pays twice as much.
“Not because it doesn’t mean anything—I love playing for my country, but it is also a case of looking after your family, doing things right. If two people get paid to do the same job and you’re getting paid twice as much at one firm and half at the other firm, you’re going to pick the one you’re getting paid [more] for.