"Disrespectful to Fans": Pakistan Unhappy as Australia Rest Star Players
Australian cricket bosses are facing criticism in Pakistan after sending a weakened team for their three-match T20 series. Australia left out several big names heading to the T20 World Cup and fielded three debutants in the first match, which they lost by 22 runs.
Key players like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazelwood, Glenn Maxwell and Tim David were rested, with Australia saying they're managing injuries before the World Cup starts on 7 February. Captain Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis and wicketkeeper Josh Inglish also didn't play in the opening game.
Pakistani cricket experts aren't happy. "They come here already without some of their main players and for the first match they don't play their best players in the touring squad. I see it as an insult to Pakistan cricket fans," said cricket writer Omair Alavi.
Former Pakistan captain Moin Khan said it's become a pattern. "In recent times we've seen New Zealand, South Africa, Australia come with weakened teams to Pakistan. It's as if they're just going through the motions," he said.
Former Test player Haroon Rasheed questioned the logic. "It's a bit odd coming to play a three-match series so close to the World Cup and not fielding your best players when they have to play in similar conditions in the tournament," he noted.
This is Australia's first trip to Pakistan since 2022. A Pakistan Cricket Board source said the packed calendar and growing number of T20 leagues mean teams are now picking and choosing where to send their star players.
*This article was created by AI and checked by journalists.*
