Last Updated on 6 months by Charbel Coorey

Cricket News: Kagiso Rabada says it was unacceptable that players had to miss Tests in New Zealand due to SA20

Star fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has slammed Cricket South Africa (CSA) for how they handled the schedule earlier this year. Their two-match Test series in New Zealand coincided with the SA20 tournament, with CSA prioritising the T20 competition given the impact it has financially.

The Proteas sent a second-string team for their two-match Test series, where they predictably lost 2-0. Neil Brand’s team fought well in the second match, where Kane Williamson had to dig deep to ensure the Black Caps chased 267 without much fuss.

Very unacceptable for SA20 to clash with Tests – Kagiso Rabada

Speaking to PTI, Rabada said the whole episode was unacceptable. The fast bowler believes it’s not fair to have a go at the players who toured New Zealand, but rather the focus should be on the board.

“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,” Rabada said.

“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.”

Rabada then acknowledged the importance of the SA20. The tournament is crucial to CSA’s finances, with strong investment from IPL franchises forcing their hand to ensure the top domestic players are available for the whole competition.

“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,” Rabada said

“End of the day, we didn’t really get a choice to even go there (New Zealand) because of the importance of the SA20. It is like shooting yourself in the foot.”

Test cricket is my favourite format – Rabada

However, the fast bowler believes Test cricket is the premier format. Rabada said that more needs to be done to ensure the format’s survival beyond the “big three” of India, Australia and England.

“Cricket comes from Test cricket and Test from my perspective is the best format. I would imagine all great players who play all formats would say Test cricket is their favourite format. It is the same for me as well,” he said.

“How do you incorporate other nations playing the same amount of Test cricket…I am not sure. If you are looking at prolonging Test cricket, if you want kids to keep playing Test cricket globally, then a plan has to be made.”