Miandad, Afridi Accuse BCCI Of 'Unfair Play' In Virat Kohli's Test Retirement

The Indian cricket team is set to embark on a five-match Test series in England. However, ahead of the tour, Indian cricket was hit by two major announcements — Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli both retired from Test cricket within a span of five days.

Rohit bid farewell to the format on May 7, while Kohli followed suit on May 12.

The unexpected retirements of these two modern-day greats have sparked strong reactions from the cricketing world, including former Pakistan captains Javed Miandad and Shahid Afridi.

Javed Miandad Questions Kohli’s Sudden Exit

Legendary Pakistani batsman Javed Miandad expressed his surprise over Kohli’s sudden retirement, suggesting that the decision might have underlying reasons.

“Kohli is a modern-day great, a match-winner and an inspirational captain,” Miandad told Telecom Asia Sport.

“He loved Test cricket a lot but the way he retired suggests that there is more to the story. Virat could have played until 2027. He had a rough patch but every batter goes through this circle,” he added.

Miandad hinted that things were not right between Virat and BCCI.

“Maybe I’m wrong, but things were not right between Virat and the BCCI. The Indian Cricket Board didn’t even organise a farewell for him. It says a lot,” he concluded.

Shahid Afridi agreed with Miandad, saying: 

“Virat was fiery and controversial but he did a lot for the Indian cricket. He gave everything for his team and won matches. Players like him should be treated differently,” he said.

Afridi recalled Kohli’s relationship with Sunil Gavaskar and the Indian cricket board. “He used to be short-tempered. I remember Sunil Gavaskar once urged the BCCI to school him. But after his marriage, he became matured. He deserved more respect,” he added.

Both Virat and Rohit will now only feature for India in One Day Internationals (ODIs).

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