Tag: Shaheen Afridi

Pakistan Test team vice-captain Saud Shakeel opened up regarding the management’s plans to manage Shaheen Afridi’s workload, terming the latter as “the main bowler”.

Last week, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) unveiled a new-look 17-member Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh.

The squad announcement saw young middle-order batter Saud being promoted to the vice-captaincy role.

Saud Shakeel took over the role from ace pacer Shaheen Afridi, with selectors emphasizing the need to manage the pacer’s workload management, considering the national men’s team’s upcoming busy schedule.

Meanwhile, Shakeel, who is set to captain Pakistan Shaheens in the first red-ball fixture against Bangladesh A, interacted with the media in Islamabad on the eve of the series.

He was asked about the team management’s strategy for managing Shaheen’s workload. Saud, however, put back the question, stating, “Shaheen can tell you better about this. It is none of my concern.

“Shaheen is our main bowler, so the team management will make a decision that is best for him.”

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Pakistan Shaheens will face Bangladesh ‘A’ in the first four-day match at the Islamabad Club from 13-16 August. The second four-day match will be played at the same venue from 20-23 August.

Both Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’ have packed their sides with players who will feature in the ICC World Test Championship fixtures, to be played in Rawalpindi and Karachi on 21-25 August and 30 August-3 September, respectively.

Test probables in the Pakistan Shaheens are Saud Shakeel (captain), Kamran Ghulam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub and Sarfaraz Ahmed, while Hasan Mahmud, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nayeem Hasan and Zakir Hasan are Bangladesh ‘A’ players who will join the Test side following the four-day match.

Pakistan Shaheens squad (for first four-day match):  Saud Shakeel (captain), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rameez Jnr, Mohammad Huraira, Naseem Shah, Saad Baig (wicket-keeper), Saad Khan, Saim Ayub, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper) and Umar Amin

Bangladesh ‘A’ squad (for first four-day match):  Anamul Haque (captain), Hasan Mahmud, Hasan Murad, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nayeem Hasan, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Ruyel Miah, Sahadat Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Zakir Hasan.

READ: Pacer withdrawn from Pakistan Shaheens’ squad for Bangladesh A series

Pakistan pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi was recently seen visiting the iconic Old Trafford, the home ground of English football club Manchester United.

Shaheen Afridi is currently enjoying his vacations in the United Kingdom, following a busy cricket season.

The star pacer was warmly welcomed at the Old Trafford, which is also called ‘Theatre of Dreams,’ and was also presented with a personalized Manchester United jersey.

The iconic red jersey emblazoned his surname Afridi and his shirt number 10, which was worn by football greats.

Manchester United shared pictures from Afridi’s visit to their social media platforms, with the caption “The eagle has landed.”

Shaheen Shah Afridi was recently named in Pakistan’s Test squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh.

However, he was replaced with middle-order batter Saud Shakeel as the vice-captain of the Test side as part of the selectors’ strategic decision aimed at managing Pakistan’s lead fast bowler’s workload management.

It’s worth noting that the Pakistan cricket team is scheduled to play nine Tests, 14 T20Is and, at least, 17 ODIs during the period from 21 August 2024 to 5 April 2025.

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Shaheen will participate in Pakistan’s training camp for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh.

The training camp will commence at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 11 August and will be supervised by red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood.

The first Test will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 21-25 August, while the second Test will be held from 30 August-3 September in Karachi.

Pakistan squad for Test series against Bangladesh

Shan Masood (c), Saud Shakeel (vc), Aamir Jamal (subject to Fitness), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper) and Shaheen Shah Afridi

READ: Players can not be forced to improve fitness: Naseem Shah

Pakistan ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi finally broke silence after being snubbed from the national men’s team’s T20I captaincy, just weeks before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Shaheen took over as Pakistan T20I captain after Babar Azam stepped down following the team’s dismal performance in the ICC World Cup 2023.

The left-arm pacer however was removed from the post in less than six months after his appointment as Babar was reinstated as Pakistan’s white-ball captain.

Shaheen Afridi could only captain Pakistan in just one T20I series, a five-match encounter against New Zealand earlier this year.

Meanwhile, during an interaction with the media in Karachi, Shaheen claimed that losing the captaincy had little impact on him as he prioritises Pakistan the most.

“For me, Pakistan comes first. Then the team, and then me. I don’t live in the past, I stay in the present,” Shaheen said.

“I don’t think about the future because if your present is fine, then the future takes care of itself. Whether captaincy is given to me or taken away, these things are not in my control and I don’t play my cricket for these things.”

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Notably, Shaheen Afridi’s figures back up his remarks as the left-arm pacer, under Babar Azam’s captaincy, claimed 23 wickets at an average of 14.34, including six three-wicket hauls.

“I play cricket to serve Pakistan, and I’ll play it with respect and will win more games for Pakistan,” Shaheen added.

“I don’t look at the negative reports [written about me]. Because if I look at them, then how will I perform for Pakistan?”

“My intention has always been to fight for the side, and I’ll keep fighting. I don’t look at negative things. For as long as I play, I’ll do it with pride for Pakistan.”

READ: Oman’s Bilal Khan breaks Shaheen Shah Afridi’s ODI record

Pakistan ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi on Monday asserted that he never thinks about captaincy and also representing the country is his prime focus.

Afridi, who has been in hot water after reports emerged of his alleged argument with batting coach Mohammad Yousuf amid the national team’s tour to Ireland and England ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, stated his upbringing is not such that he would bring negativity into the team.

“All team members are my friends. I was raised well and I always fight for my country,” said Shaheen.

“I never think about captaincy. My prime focus is to represent my country and would never bring negativity into the team,” he added.

Soon after the reports of his alleged misconduct with Yousuf emerged, it was reported in the local media that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) would take disciplinary action against Shaheen Afridi and thus, he will not be considered for the upcoming home Test series against Bangladesh.

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When asked to share his two cents on the reports, Shaheen stated that he is unaware of such rumours.

“I don’t know if I’m being dropped from the Test series [against Bangladesh]. My role is to play cricket and I would do that with dignity,” he added.

Remember, reports of an alleged dispute between Pakistan captain Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi also emerged following the national men’s team’s poor run at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Details further suggested that former captains would resolve the alleged dispute between the three senior members of the national team and a meeting to mediate between them will be held at a former skippers’ residence upon Afridi’s return to the country.

READ: Shahid Afridi slams India’s Champions Trophy stance

Oman left-arm seamer Bilal Khan has surpassed Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi to become the fastest pacer to take 100 wickets in ODI cricket.

Bilal Khan claimed his 100th wicket in his 49th ODI match against Namibia in Dundee, meanwhile, Shaheen had taken 51 games to achieve the milestone.

During the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 match, Jan Frylinck became Bilal’s 100th scalp. He returned with figures of 3-50 in 10 overs, setting up Oman’s victory.

It”s worth noting that, overall Bilal is the third-fastest bowler to take 100 ODI wickets, with Nepal’s Sandeep Lamichhane topping the charts with a record 42 games.

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Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan is the second-fastest, achieving the milestone in 44 matches.

Bilal Khan has taken 101 wickets in 49 ODI matches since making his debut in 2019. He has claimed four five-wicket hauls in the format. Meanwhile, in T20I cricket, Bilal has bagged 110 wickets in 78 matches at an average of 17.44.

List of fastest pacers to take 100 ODI wickets:

Bilal Khan – 49 ODIs

Shaheen Afridi- 51 ODIs

Mitchell Starc- 52 ODIs

Shane Bond – 54 ODIs

Mustafizur Rahman – 54 ODIs

The left-arm pacer started the match against Namibia with 98 wickets, he removed captain Gerhard Erasmus (8) in the 19th over, followed by Frylinck’s wicket to achieve the milestone.

He later dismissed wicketkeeper JP Kotze (5) in the death overs to help restrict Namibia to 196-9 in 50 overs.

Oman chased down the target in the final over after losing six wickets. Captain Aqib Ilyas starred with a 68-run knock from 129 balls with five boundaries and one six.

Khalid Kail was another notable contributor with 43 runs from 55 balls, laced with four boundaries and one six.

READ: Shahnawaz Dahani ruled out of Pakistan Shaheens’ Darwin tour

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt lashed out at the management for mishandling Shaheen Shah Afridi’s alleged altercation with batting coach Mohammad Yousuf ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Butt appeared at ARY News’ show Sports Room and was asked whether the authorities would take any action against the left-arm pacer for his alleged misconduct.

Salman Butt, in response, emphasized that the management should have taken action straightaway but instead, they kept on selecting Shaheen Afridi for every World Cup fixture.

“Look, the time for taking an action has been passed. Since I was not there with the team I don’t know [whether it is true]. These are reports and the people who gave the report, we expect them to make a decision there,” said Butt.

“If the management thinks that Shaheen was not implementing the plans and was not cooperating with them intentionally then they should have taken action.

“If he was not disciplined then they should have dropped him and opted to go with some other player.

“But, if you gave him full opportunity despite all these issues and are now complaining I think, anybody can do that. What’s the point of appointing [big names] with hefty salaries?” Salman Butt questioned.

“Management’s job is not to complain but to take action,” he concluded.

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According to recent reports, Shaheen engaged in a heated argument with batting coach Mohammad Yousuf during the team’s tour ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024.

Sources asserted that the incident occurred during Pakistan’s net practice at Headingley when Shaheen engaged in a verbal exchange with the former batter.

The batting coach pointed towards Shaheen Afridi’s continuous no-balls in the nets, they added.

However, the pacer got furious and told Mohammad Yousuf to let him practice and not intervene in his bowling.

According to sources, Shaheen later apologised to the batting coach while the team management also reprimanded him for his misconduct.

However, the incident was termed the heat of the moment and the chapter was closed after Shaheen Afridi apologised to Mohammad Yousuf.

READ: Salman Butt names ideal candidate for Pakistan’s all-format captaincy

Former Pakistan Test cricketer Atiq-uz-Zaman commented on the reports regarding Shaheen Afridi’s altercation with batting coach Mohammad Yousuf during the team’s tour to Ireland and England before the T20 World Cup 2024.

Atiq, a qualified coach, expressed his disappointment with Shaheen Afridi and emphasized that the pacer should have put his head down and tried not to bowl no-balls in the nets.

“If Mohammad Yousuf bhai said that, Shaheen Afridi shouldn’t have made the comments he did. I’m not sure if he made them or not, as these are just rumours. If he did, I’m really disappointed because Yousuf Bhai is a bigger name than Shaheen Afridi,” said Atiq-uz-Zaman.

“So, he got to understand that there is something called respect. If the coach instructs you, you should just put your head down and try not to bowl no-ball in the nets,” he added.

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According to recent reports, Shaheen engaged in a heated argument with batting coach Mohammad Yousuf during the team’s tour ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Sources asserted that the incident occurred during Pakistan’s net practice at Headingley when Shaheen engaged in a verbal exchange with the former batter.

The batting coach pointed towards Shaheen Afridi’s continuous no-balls in the nets, they added.

However, the pacer got furious and told Mohammad Yousuf to let him practice and not intervene in his bowling.

According to sources, Shaheen later apologised to the batting coach while the team management also reprimanded him for his misconduct.

However, the incident was termed the heat of the moment and the chapter was closed after Shaheen Afridi apologised to Mohammad Yousuf.

READ: Shadab Khan opens up on recent struggles in international cricket

Pakistan white-ball captain and ace batter Babar Azam penned a wholesome note to pay tribute to exceptional pacer James Anderson, who concluded his glittering Test career on Friday.

Anderson, playing his 188th and last Test for England, bowed out with 704 wickets, the most by any pacer in the history of the format.

“It’s been an amazing week, been overwhelmed with the reaction of the crowd and everyone around the ground,” Anderson told Sky Sports.

“I’m just proud of what I’ve achieved,” he added.

The right-arm pacer, who has a plethora of records to his name in the longest format of the game, received massive praise from the notable figures of the sport.

Among them was Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who said it was a privilege to face James Anderson’s cutters and called him the Greatest of All Time (GOAT).

“It was a privilege to face your swing, Jimmy!” wrote Babar on X, formerly Twitter.

“The beautiful game will now miss one of its greatest. Your incredible service to the sport has been nothing short of remarkable. Huge respect for you, GOAT,” he concluded with a salute emoji.

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Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi also spoke highly of James Anderson and called the 41-year-old a motivation for the emerging pacers.

“Thank you for serving this sport for over 21 years James,” wrote Shaheen.

“You have been a source of motivation to many of us. Best of luck for your journey ahead,” he added.

Another Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali, who played alongside James Anderson for Lancashire in the County Championship, congratulated the veteran on an incredible journey.

“Huge respect to [James Anderson] on an amazing test career. You were a beast on the pitch, always keeping the batters on their toes, 704 wickets is insane. Congrats on an incredible journey bhai. You’ll be missed,” wrote Hasan.

READ: Anderson gets dream farewell as England rout West Indies in Lord’s Test

Pakistan’s red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie has recently expressed concern over the workload of all-format pace bowler Shaheen Afridi.

The former Australian pacer, who recently took over as the head coach of Pakistan’s Test side, shared his opinion while talking with journalists in Karachi.

He emphasised the need to manage the workload of pace bowlers to keep them fit, considering the demands of modern-day cricket, where a player features in multiple leagues along with three formats in international cricket.

“Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah are multi-format cricketers and also participate in franchise cricket. They cannot play every match. We will try to give them rest in relatively less important matches,” stated Gillespie.

“Over the past year, Shaheen has bowled three times more than Mitchell Starc. How can he manage such a workload? We need to take care of him.”

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He also opened up about his conversations with Naseem Shah and Pakistan’s white-ball captain Babar Azam.

“In Lahore, I had conversations with Babar Azam and Naseem Shah. I told Babar to play his natural game freely,” he said.

The head coach also affirmed that Shan Masood will lead the side in the Test series against Bangladesh, while also sharing his aim to prepare strong bench strength for Pakistan’s Test team.

“We will announce the probables for the [Bangladesh] series by the end of this month. It has not been decided yet who will be given rest. Shan Masood will lead the Test team. He is currently playing county cricket in England. Although we have not met, we stay in touch over the phone,” he said.

Jason Gillespie also shared his plans to watch domestic matches in Pakistan and scout talent personally. He will also be touring to Darwin as the head coach of Pakistan Shaheens’ for the two four-day games against Bangladesh A.

READ: Here’s how West Indies miss James Anderson’s guard of honour

Pakistan ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi posted a cryptic message amid reports regarding his altercation with coaches during the team’s tour to Ireland and England before the T20 World Cup 2024.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Shaheen shared a video of himself bowling in nets with the caption reading, “Rise Above” with an eagle emoji.

In the recently-shared video, Shaheen Afridi was bowling to former Pakistan captain Misbah-Ul-Haq as the latter gears up for Pakistan Champions’ semi-final clash against West Indies Champions in the ongoing World Championship of Legends.

According to recent reports, Shaheen engaged in a heated argument with batting coach Mohammad Yousuf during the team’s tour ahead of the mega event.

Sources asserted that the incident occurred during Pakistan’s net practice at Headingley when Shaheen engaged in a verbal exchange with the former batter.

The batting coach pointed towards Shaheen Afridi’s continuous no-balls in the nets, they added.

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However, the pacer got furious and told Mohammad Yousuf to let him practice and not intervene in his bowling.

According to sources, Shaheen later apologised to the batting coach while the team management also reprimanded him for his misconduct.

However, the incident was termed the heat of the moment and the chapter was closed after Shaheen Afridi apologised to Mohammad Yousuf.

It is pertinent to mention that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) axed former pacer Wahab Riaz from the position of senior team manager and as a member of the selection committee after Pakistan’s early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024.

Former all-rounder Abdul Razzaq was also sacked from the PCB selection committee.

READ: Abdul Razzaq opens up after being sacked as selector