India vs Pakistan: No Variation In Pakistan's Bowling Line-Up In Shaheen Afridi's Absence: Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram, a former captain of Pakistan, stated on Tuesday, August 23, that Shaheen Afridi’s absence from the Babar Azam-led Pakistan side in the Asia Cup, which begins on August 27 in the UAE, is a major blow. Shaheen’s knee injury from earlier this year prevented him from competing in the continental tournament.

Pakistan’s success in T20I cricket has been greatly aided by Shaheen Afridi. The left-arm bowler rattled India’s top order in their high-octane opener to set the tone for Pakistan in the T20 World Cup last year.

Wasim Akram, speaking to Star Sports before of the Asia Cup, stated Shaheen’s unavailability will restrict Pakistan from variation in their bowling attack owing to the absence of a left-arm fast bowler on their side.

“Shaheen Afridi will be much missed.” He is significant because of the new ball. In this format, you must limit the opposition by taking early wickets, which is what the accomplishes. In all formats, he assaults the stumps.”

“He was chastised for not taking a break, although he is just 22.” He has a knee injury that takes time to heal and you are always afraid it will come back. He is one of the top three bowlers in the world, so this is a major loss for Pakistan.”

“There is still pace in the bowling department, but little variation (without Shaheen’s left arm pace).” “They are all right-handers,” Akram explained.

‘Babar is still a young captain but is learning very fast’: Wasim Akram

Although the Pakistani captain has a long way to go before he can be considered one of the all-time greats, Wasim Akram said it is only natural that he is being compared to Virat Kohli.

Babar has been in great shape and is getting closer to realizing his aim of becoming the No. 1 batter across all formats, but Kohli has been experiencing a hard patch across all formats since the beginning of 2020.

“The parallels are only natural. People used to compare Inzamam to Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar while we were playing. “It was Sunil Gavaskar, Javed Miandad, G Vishwanath, and Zaheer Abbas before that,” Wasim Akram remarked.

“Because he possesses the appropriate approach, Babar has been incredibly consistent.” He is both hungry and fit. He is still a young captain, but he is learning quickly. Comparisons with Virat Kohli, on the other hand, are questionable.”

The Asia Cup 2022 is set to get underway in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on August 27 when hosts Sri Lanka take on Afghanistan in Dubai.

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