Shaheen Afridi addresses concerns about pace dip in his bowling

Shaheen Afridi, captain of Pakistan T20I and Lahore Qalandars, recently addressed concerns regarding a dip in his bowling pace. Shaheen Afridi expressed confidence in his fitness and ability, mentioning that he can still reach speeds of around 140-145kph.

Since the ODI World Cup 2023, Shaheen Shah Afridi has experienced a dip in form. The left-arm pacer faced criticism during the Test series in Australia, where Pakistan suffered a 3-0 whitewash. Afridi blamed speed guns for displaying lower speeds in Australia.

I’m Still Fit And Young – Shaheen Afridi

In a recent conversation, Shaheen Afridi emphasized that consistently bowling above 145 kph is not required in T20 cricket, highlighting the importance of timing and bowling variety. Afridi mentioned that he can still achieve speeds of 140 or 145 kph.

“I know I can still bowl 140 or 145, but you have to do everything when the time is right. In T20 cricket, no bowler bowls 140-plus as their average ball. In T20 cricket, you only need to bowl three or four balls at express pace. There are a lot of slower balls, variations, and the like. I have never felt my pace has dipped. I know I can bowl 140 or 145. I’m still fit and young, just 23,” Afridi said, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

Defending champions Lahore Qalandars have started their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 campaign disastrously, losing their first two matches. The Lahore-based franchise felt the absence of Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan, who is sidelined with a back injury.

The Shaheen Afridi-led side will take on the Multan Sultans in their next match of the tournament at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan on Wednesday, February 21.

I Don’t Know A Lot Of Things – Shaheen Afridi

Reflecting on his journey as captain, Shaheen Afridi stressed the significance of inclusive leadership and fostering positive relationships within the team. He admitted to learning fundamental leadership aspects since assuming the captaincy role.

“When I wasn’t captain, I didn’t know a lot of things. Some so them are so basic I don’t even want to tell you about them. When you’re a bowler you only focus on yourself and your bowling,” Afridi added.

“When you’re captain, the 11 who play and the five sitting on the bench are all your players. You have to treat them as individuals, talk to them all, and keep a friendly atmosphere. You even have a responsibility to conduct yourself in a particular way with the coaching staff, because you’re all pursuing the same goals.”

Shaheen Afridi assumed leadership of the Lahore Qalandars in the PSL, guiding them to consecutive titles in the league. Following his success in the league, he was appointed as Pakistan’s T20I captain after Babar Azam stepped down from the T20I captaincy.

However, Pakistan suffered a series of defeats in his captaincy debut, losing 4-1 to New Zealand. Shaheen Afridi will lead Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled for June. The Men in Green are placed in the same group alongside India in the marquee event.

Also read: “Rashid Khan was our main bowler…” – Shaheen Afridi opens up on Lahore Qalandars’ poor start in PSL 2024