Shaheen Afridi Archives

Shaheen Afridi comments on Babar Azam, Saim Ayub omission from ODI squad

DHAKA: Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi addressed questions over the exclusion of key players Babar Azam and Saim Ayub from the upcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, set to begin tomorrow at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

All three ODIs, scheduled for March 11, 13, and 15, will be played at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

Speaking at a pre-series press conference on Tuesday, Afridi stressed that no one has been “dropped” and that the selections are aimed at testing bench strength and giving opportunities to emerging talent.

“Look, no one has been dropped for this series. We just wanted to give our youngsters a chance to show their skills,” Afridi explained.

“They are our future, and this series against Bangladesh is the perfect opportunity for them to understand their roles ahead of bigger events like the World Cup next year.”

The Pakistan squad for the series features six uncapped players: Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, and Shamyl Hussain.

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Afridi confirmed that Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, and Shamyl Hussain will make their ODI debuts, with Farhan and Sadaqat opening the innings and Hussain at one-down.

Addressing the expected challenges in Dhaka, Shaheen Afridi highlighted that Pakistan’s strength lies in its pace attack and downplayed the idea of relying heavily on spinners, referencing the West Indies’ spin-heavy strategy at the same venue during an ODI in October 2025.

“This will not be happening. Pakistan is known for fast bowling. I will back our pacers to take wickets, while the spinners will contribute and play their role in the win,” he said.

Afridi also acknowledged Bangladesh’s home advantage but expressed confidence in Pakistan’s preparations.

“Any team is tough in their own conditions. Bangladesh plays very good cricket at home, and we have prepared accordingly,” he added.

“Our recent ODI series against South Africa and Sri Lanka have been encouraging, and we want to continue that momentum.”

READ: Shaheen Afridi confirms three debutants in first ODI against Bangladesh

Shaheen Afridi confirms three debutants in first ODI against Bangladesh

DHAKA: Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has confirmed that the Green Shirts will field three debutants in the first ODI of their three-match series against Bangladesh, set to be played at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, March 11.

Pakistan dropped senior players like Babar Azam and Saim Ayub for the series, giving a platform to several promising talents.

The squad for the series includes six uncapped players: Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain.

Speaking at a pre-series press conference on Tuesday, Afridi revealed that Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, and Shamyl Hussain will make their international ODI debuts.

Farhan and Sadaqat are set to open the innings, while Hussain will bat at one-down.

“Sahibzada [Farhan] ofcourse he has been a top performer in T20Is as well as List A domestic cricket in Pakistan. Maaz Sadaqat will also open the innings, and Shamyl Hussain will bat at one down,” he said.

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“I hope that they play their own [natural] game and show their skills. We, as a team, are very excited to see them play.”

The captain highlighted that familiarity with local conditions will be an advantage for the debutants.

“Sahibzada has played in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), and Maaz has also played here. So it should feel like just another game for them. I hope they play their best cricket and express themselves,” he added.

Shaheen Afridi was also asked about Pakistan’s bowling combination and the potential inclusion of Saad Masood, given the spin-friendly nature of Dhaka pitches.

“Only 11 players can play, so we will decide according to the team requirement and pitch conditions. We have one more practice session today, after which the final playing XI will be announced,” he stated.

READ: Pakistan-Bangladesh ODI series trophy unveiled in Dhaka

Shaheen Afridi blames lack of ‘partnerships’ for defeat against England

KANDY: Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi admitted that his side’s failure to stitch together a meaningful partnership cost them dearly in their two-wicket defeat to England in the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Tuesday.

In a high-intensity contest at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pakistan posted 164-9 after being put in to bat.

England, however, chased down the target in the final over despite losing eight wickets, riding on a superb century from skipper Harry Brook.

Afridi, who produced a fiery spell of 4-30 and removed the well-set Brook, was left to ponder what might have been.

The left-arm pacer believed Pakistan fell short primarily due to their inability to build momentum through the middle overs.

“I feel on a wicket like this you need a partnership and a set batter who can bat through the middle overs,” Afridi said after the match.

“But unfortunately, we lost wickets back to back, which is why we did not reach that 180-190 score.”

Pakistan’s innings never quite found stability. Several batters got starts, but none were able to convert them into a commanding stand.

The middle order, in particular, struggled to rotate strike regularly against a disciplined England attack.

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Shaheen Afridi pointed to the importance of maintaining a steady flow of singles and twos, a factor he felt England executed far better.

“If you see, when England batted, Harry Brook stayed at the crease. He was rotating the strike and building partnerships. I think we missed that opportunity,” he said.

“A partnership means you need someone at the crease who can take singles and twos. In a T20 innings, you need eight or nine runs an over consistently if you want to build partnerships.”

The surface at Pallekele was noticeably fresher compared to the one used in England’s previous outing against Sri Lanka, offering better conditions for stroke play. In hindsight, Pakistan’s total of 164 appeared slightly under par.

Shaheen Afridi also credited England leg-spinner Adil Rashid for tightening the screws during the middle phase.

“I think that middle phase, Adil Rashid bowled really well, so credit goes to him as well,” he added.

Despite Afridi’s impressive four-wicket haul, Pakistan were left to rue a missed opportunity as England sealed qualification to the semi-finals.

For Pakistan, the defeat has left their campaign hanging by a thread, with little room for further error in the tournament.

READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan’s semi-final qualification scenario explained

Usman Tariq defends out-of-form Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi

COLOMBO: Pakistan mystery spinner Usman Tariq has thrown his support behind senior stars Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Namibia, scheduled to be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club on Wednesday.

The reassurance comes in the wake of Pakistan’s disappointing defeat to India, a result that drew heavy criticism towards the team’s senior players.

Babar managed just five runs in the high-pressure clash, while Shaheen conceded 31 runs in his two overs, leaving fans and analysts questioning their form.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Usman Tariq highlighted the immense contributions of the experienced duo and urged patience, stressing that ups and downs are part of the sport.

He expressed confidence that the team would bounce back strongly in the upcoming fixture.

“Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi have won many matches for us. Winning and losing are part of the game. Going forward, you will see us play well,” Tariq said.

The spinner also shed light on the team’s internal review process following setbacks, noting that the focus remains on identifying mistakes and ensuring they are not repeated.

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According to him, learning from defeat is essential for consistent performance at the highest level.

“After every match, discussions revolve around what went wrong. If one match doesn’t go well, that’s part of the game,” he added.

Tariq emphasised that the squad has actively worked on correcting errors and improving execution, insisting that unresolved mistakes, not defeats, create long-term problems.

He also addressed the mental side of the game, pointing out the importance of handling pressure in crucial matches.

“Feeling pressure is normal. Controlling it is part of the job, and we have worked on that. Right now, I don’t feel the team is under pressure,” he concluded.

Pakistan currently sit third in Group A with two wins and one defeat, holding a net run rate of -0.403.

A victory against Namibia would take them to the Super Eight stage with six points and a second-place finish in their group, only behind India.

READ: New Zealand power into Super Eight after dominant win over Canada

Lahore Qalandars reveal Shaheen Afridi’s retention price

Lahore Qalandars have revealed the retention prices of their retained players, including Shaheen Afridi, ahead of the historic Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 auction, scheduled for February 11.

The Qalandars retained Shaheen Afridi, Sikandar Raza, Mohammad Naeem, and Abdullah Shafique.

The retention prices were disclosed via the franchise’s social media handles.

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Skipper Shaheen Afridi is retained in Platinum for PKR 70M.

While middle-order batter Abdullah Shafiqe and all-rounder Sikandar Raza were retained in the Diamond and Gold categories for PKR 22M and 28M, respectively.

Mohammad Naeem also secured his place in the Silver category for a PKR 7M.

With these retentions, the 2024 winners have so far spent PKR 127 million from their overall franchise budget of PKR 450M ahead of the auction.

For the unversed, each franchise has been allotted a total budget of PKR 450 million for PSL 11, while an additional PKR 55 million has been reserved for direct signings under the league’s new auction-based model.

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Notably, PSL 11 marks a major shift in the league’s player recruitment process as the traditional draft system has been replaced by an auction format for the first time in PSL history.

On Tuesday, five out of the six old franchises announced their list of retained players, while Multan Sultans confirmed they will enter the auction with zero retentions, giving them the maximum purse ahead of the bidding process.

PSL 11 retentions

Lahore Qalandars: Shaheen Shah Afridi (Platinum), Abdullah Shafique (Diamond), Sikandar Raza (Gold), Mohammad Naeem (Silver)

Quetta Gladiators: Abrar Ahmed (Platinum), Usman Tariq (Diamond), Hasan Nawaz (Gold), Shamyl Hussain (Emerging)

Islamabad United: Shadab Khan (Platinum), Salman Irshad (Gold), Andries Gous (Silver)

Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (Platinum), Sufyan Moqim (Diamond), Abdul Samad (Gold), Ali Raza (Emerging)

Karachi Kings: Hasan Ali (Platinum), Mohammad Abbas Afridi (Diamond), Khushdil Shah (Gold), Saad Baig (Emerging)

READ: Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed make massive gains in ICC T20I rankings

Babar, Shaheen back as Pakistan unveil squad for Australia T20Is

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday named a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia, starting on 29 January.

The series will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, from 29 January to 1 February. The games will start at 4pm PKT with the coin toss set to take place at 3.30pm PST.

Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi have returned to the T20I squad after missing the three-match away series against Sri Lanka in January.

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Shadab Khan will continue to build on his comeback in the previous T20I series and will form part of a strong spin-bowling contingent along with Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz and Usman Tariq.

Pakistan squad and player support personnel are expected to convene in Lahore on Saturday, 24 January and will begin their preparations for the series the following day.

Australia are set to arrive in Pakistan on Wednesday, 28 February and will play just their second series in the format on Pakistan soil after a solitary T20I in April 2022 at Gaddafi Stadium.

Pakistan squad for Australia series

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) and Usman Tariq

Player support personnel: Naveed Akram Cheema (team manager), Mike Hesson (head coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Shane McDermott (fielding coach), Hanif Malik (batting coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Ejaz (performance analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmed (media manager), Lt. Col. (r) Usman Anwari (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor), Dr Raheel Karim (psychiatrist) and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur)

READ: New Zealand fast bowler ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026

Major update on Shaheen Afridi’s fitness ahead of Australia T20I series

Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been declared fully fit after successfully clearing his fitness test, sources confirmed on Thursday.

The news came as a major boost to Pakistan’s preparations for the upcoming home T20I series against Australia and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

According to sources, Shaheen underwent a comprehensive physical fitness test two days ago, conducted with a specific focus on his workload management and long-term availability for the Australia series and the global tournament.

The left-arm pacer has now been deemed fit to return to competitive cricket and is expected to feature in Pakistan’s plans going forward.

Shaheen Afridi had suffered a knee injury during the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 while representing Brisbane Heat in a match against Adelaide Strikers on December 27.

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The 25-year-old was forced to leave the field during the 14th over after experiencing discomfort in his right knee and was subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the tournament.

Brisbane Heat later named Zaman Khan as his replacement.

The injury also kept Shaheen out of Pakistan’s recent T20I series against Sri Lanka, as he failed to regain full fitness in time for the assignment.

However, his recovery now appears to be on track, with the pacer reportedly set to make his return during the upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia, scheduled to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on January 29, 31 and February 1.

The series is being viewed as vital preparation for both sides ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

READ: Dominant Pakistan bundle Zimbabwe for 128 in U19 World Cup

Shaheen Afridi fires warning to India ahead of T20 World Cup clash

Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has delivered a pointed message to arch-rivals India ahead of their high-voltage encounter at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be played in Colombo on February 15.

The star pacer has stated that Pakistan will respond “on the field” amid growing concerns over sportsmanship between the two sides.

Speaking during a media interaction, Shaheen was asked about the controversial scenes witnessed during the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, where Indian players reportedly declined customary handshakes with Pakistan players.

Indian players also decided not to accept the tournament trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who serves as both the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

“People across the border have violated the spirit of sportsmanship,” Shaheen Afridi said. “Our job is to play cricket, and that remains our focus. We will try to respond on the field.”

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The comments come amid sustained debate over the deteriorating on-field conduct between the two cricketing giants.

The Asia Cup controversy was not limited to a single match, with tensions first surfacing during the group-stage fixture, continuing through the Super Four round and peaking in the final, where India defeated Pakistan.

The issue has since drawn reactions from the wider cricketing fraternity. Former West Indies captain Jason Holder recently expressed disappointment over the situation, urging players from both countries to rise above political and off-field tensions.

“I don’t like this whole India and Pakistan rivalry. They are two powerhouses in world cricket,” Holder said in an interview with an Indian sports platform.

“To see how things have transpired, it’s just sad. I saw India win the Asia Cup, and they didn’t go on stage to accept the trophy. I think it’s too much; these things should not be in our game.”

READ: Agha wants Pakistan to improve fielding ahead of T20 World Cup

Shaheen Afridi starts rehab at NCA ahead of T20 World Cup: reports

LAHORE: Ace pacer Shaheen Afridi has started his rehabilitation programme here at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) after suffering a knee injury during the Big Bash League (BBL) 15.

Shaheen was ruled out of BBL 15 after a knee injury sustained on Saturday, 27 December, during Brisbane Heat’s clash against Adelaide Strikers.

The left-arm pacer limped off while pointing to his right knee during the 14th over.

Eventually, he was ruled out and thanked fans for supporting him through his short stint.

“I’m massively thankful to the Brisbane Heat team and fans for showering me with immense love and support,” he wrote on his X post.

“Due to an unexpected injury, I have been called back by the PCB and will have to take a rehab. Hopefully, I will be back in the fields soon. Meanwhile, I will be cheering for the amazing team.”

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According to reports, Afridi’s rehabilitation programme will also include regular assessments to monitor his recovery and ensure he regains full fitness ahead of the mega event.

For those unaware, Shaheen, along with Babar Azam, was not included in the squad for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka due to their commitment to the BBL 15.

It is pertinent to mention that the severity of Shaheen’s injury could potentially hinder his participation in the T20 World Cup 2026, which will commence on 7 February.

Earlier today, Brisbane Heat announced pacer Zaman Khan as Shaheen’s replacement.

The 24-year-old right-arm pacer has received clearance from the BBL Technical Committee and is set to be available for the Heat’s fixture against Sydney Thunder at the Gabba on Saturday.

The match will see Zaman come up against his former franchise, having previously represented the Thunder during BBL 13.

Known for his distinctive slingy action and effectiveness at the death, Zaman featured in four matches for Sydney Thunder, claiming eight wickets at an impressive average of 16.38.

Brisbane Heat head coach Johan Botha expressed confidence that Zaman’s inclusion would add a cutting edge to the bowling unit as the tournament reaches a crucial phase.

“He’s a genuine wicket-taker up front, but he can also control an over with his variations and pace,” Botha said.

“He complements our attack nicely and gives us additional options in the key bowling periods. Zaman was a handful when he first came on the scene and has continued to evolve his game,” he concluded.

READ: Wasim Akram names Pakistan’s surprise package for T20 World Cup

Brisbane Heat sign Pakistan pacer as Shaheen Afridi’s replacement

Brisbane Heat have strengthened their bowling resources for the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 15 by signing Pakistan fast bowler Zaman Khan as an international replacement for the injured Shaheen Shah Afridi.

The 24-year-old right-arm pacer has received clearance from the BBL Technical Committee and is set to be available for the Heat’s fixture against Sydney Thunder at the Gabba on Saturday.

The match will see Zaman come up against his former franchise, having previously represented the Thunder during BBL 13.

Known for his distinctive slingy action and effectiveness at the death, Zaman featured in four matches for Sydney Thunder, claiming eight wickets at an impressive average of 16.38.

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Since making his international debut in 2023, he has gone on to represent Pakistan in 10 T20 Internationals and one One-Day International, picking up seven wickets across formats.

Zaman Khan arrives in Australia in good rhythm, having recently made an impact in the Abu Dhabi T10, where he grabbed a hat-trick in his opening match of the tournament.

He also brings experience from multiple leagues around the world, including the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he plays under Shaheen Afridi at Lahore Qalandars, and England’s The Hundred, where he turned out for Manchester Originals.

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Brisbane Heat head coach Johan Botha expressed confidence that Zaman’s inclusion would add a cutting edge to the bowling unit as the tournament reaches a crucial phase.

“He’s a genuine wicket-taker up front, but he can also control an over with his variations and pace,” Botha said.

“He complements our attack nicely and gives us additional options in the key bowling periods. Zaman was a handful when he first came on the scene and has continued to evolve his game.”

READ: Second group of Pakistan squad departs for Sri Lanka