(AFP Photo)
Pakistan cricketer Shaheen Afridi is making waves ahead of his team’s debut in the T20 World Cup 2024. The premier fast bowler contests the ICC’s classification of him solely as a bowler, asserting his status as a genuine all-rounder for the team.
As the Pakistan cricket squad prepares for their inaugural match in the T20 World Cup 2024, led by Babar Azam, they are set to face co-hosts United States of America (USA) on June 6th at the Grand Prairie International Stadium in Texas.
Shaheen Afridi’s role will be pivotal not only in the clash against the United States but throughout the tournament. As the linchpin of the team’s bowling attack, much reliance is placed upon him.
Since his debut for Pakistan, Afridi has been a game-changer, particularly excelling in dismantling top-order batsmen with his left-arm pace during the powerplay overs.
The T20 World Cup 2024 places a substantial burden on Afridi’s shoulders, with his performance in the powerplay crucial to Pakistan’s success. His formidable presence on the field suggests that overcoming Pakistan will prove to be a formidable challenge for opponents.
During Pakistan’s pre-match photo session against the United States, Afridi’s response to being labeled solely as a fast bowler by the International Cricket Council (ICC) garnered attention.
Shaheen Afridi was quick to quip that he is not only a bowler but a proper all-rounder for the team. Here’s the video:
Lately, Shaheen Afridi has shown significant improvement in his batting skills. The fast bowler has become a valuable lower-order batsman and is frequently elevated up the batting order to accelerate the run rate. His capacity to strike powerful sixes adds a dynamic dimension to his role as a batsman, making him a formidable presence with the bat.
Shaheen Afridi is poised to make a statement in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Shaheen Afridi enters the T20 World Cup 2024 with a significant point to prove. Recent developments surrounding him may have impacted his game, making this tournament a crucial opportunity for him to respond emphatically with his bowling performance.
Following the ICC World Cup 2023, Afridi was entrusted with the captaincy of the Pakistan team, signaling a potential new chapter in Pakistan cricket. However, his tenure as captain was short-lived. Despite leading the team in the T20I series against New Zealand, which resulted in a 4-1 loss, Afridi was relieved of his captaincy duties. The Pakistan Cricket Board subsequently reinstated Babar Azam as the team’s captain.