Tag: Shaheen Afridi

FAISALABAD: Pakistan skipper Shaheen Afridi hailed batters for propelling his side to victory over South Africa in the first ODI of the three-match series here at Iqbal Stadium on Tuesday.

Set 264, Pakistan hit the winning runs on the loss of eight wickets with two balls to spare. For the home side, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha starred with the bat, both scoring gutsy half-centuries.

Rizwan top-scored with 55 from 74 balls with the help of six fours, while Salman Ali Agha hit five boundaries and a six on his way to 62 from 71 balls.

After being put into bat, South Africa’s innings folded for 263 in 49.4 overs, courtesy of Abrar Ahmed’s and Naseem Shah’s three wickets.

Catch Pakistan vs South Africa news updates here!

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Shaheen, who was leading the ODI side for the first time, shed light on the team’s victory.

“I think it’s a normal game for me and nothing special. Whatever the situation, just do your best and nothing more. I think we thought maybe we’ll get some help early on with the ball, and there will be dew in the second innings, but it totally changed,” he said.

The skipper praised the batters for taking the team out of trouble and aimed to avoid repeating the mistakes that had happened during the chase.

“I would give credit to our batter; they handled it well. We need experienced batting like this. Credit goes to them, they batted really well on a tough surface.”

“That always happens, but we’ll try to make it not happen again. Thanks to the Faisalabad crowd. Cricket here after a long time, and thank you for coming out in big numbers,” Shaheen concluded.

READ: Agha, Rizwan and bowlers help Pakistan beat South Africa in ODI series opener

FAISALABAD: Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has expressed his pride in being appointed as the ODI captain of Pakistan ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, which is set to begin on Tuesday at the Iqbal Stadium.

The 25-year-old pacer replaced wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan as the ODI captain last month.

Speaking at a pre-series press conference, Shaheen called it an “honour and responsibility” to lead the national side, emphasising teamwork and respect for the management’s decisions.

“It’s an honour to represent Pakistan as captain,” Shaheen said. “Wearing the national colours is always special, and with this new role comes added responsibility.”

The left-arm pacer noted that Pakistan carried good momentum from the T20I series and were fully focused on maintaining their form.

“The boys are in good rhythm after a strong T20 series. Our focus now is to carry that energy into one-day cricket and improve in the areas that matter,” he added.

When questioned about leadership changes and his earlier stint as T20I captain, Shaheen responded calmly, reaffirming his commitment to Pakistan cricket above all else.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“Our job is to play cricket and serve Pakistan in whatever role we’re given,” he stated.

“Leadership decisions rest with the board and management, and we respect that. My only focus right now is on performing well and helping the team grow in ODIs.”

The star pacer also threw his full backing behind former captain Babar Azam, who recently returned to form in the T20I series.

“Every player goes through ups and downs. Babar’s class is never in doubt,” Shaheen said.

“Just because he doesn’t perform in a couple of matches doesn’t make him a bad player. For the last four or five years, he’s been our most consistent performer and the highest run-scorer in both T20Is and ODIs.”

“Whenever our senior players contribute, the team ends up winning. Babar’s return to form is a huge boost for us.”

READ: Harmanpreet Kaur imitates Lionel Messi after Women’s World Cup victory

Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has slammed the decision to appoint Shaheen Afridi as the One Day International (ODI) captain of national cricket team.

Shaheen replaced wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan as captain of national ODI team.

The left-arm pacer’s first assignment will be the forthcoming three-match series against South Africa, which will begin on November 4 at Faisalabad Cricket Stadium.

The decision to appoint Shaheen as captain was taken at a meeting held in Islamabad. The meeting was attended by head coach Mike Hesson, director of high performance Aqib Javed and members of the selection committee.

Following the decision, Amir believed this is not a good decision under the circumstances.

“I don’t think Mohammad Rizwan has been treated fairly. Rizwan was not a bad one-day captain,” he remarked via a video on his social media handle.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

He led Pakistan to series wins in South Africa and Australia — something even some of our biggest captains couldn’t achieve. We should not have forgotten that,” Amir continued.

The 33-year-old stressed long-term planning and rued himself alongside former cricketers for destablization in Pakistan cricket while lavishing praise on Rizwan’s captaincy.

“Captaincy should not depend on just one good or bad series. We are all responsible for this — former cricketers and analysts included. We don’t allow stability in our cricket,” he added.

“Captains are not made overnight; it takes two to three years to build one. But here, one bad series is enough to replace a captain. I don’t think this is the right call. Rizwan is a smart captain and he has that knack of captaincy.”

He suggested that if Shaheen was to be handed the reins of the national team, he should have first been made vice-captain.

“If Shaheen had to be made captain, he could have first been appointed as vice-captain, and his performance judged accordingly — especially considering his fitness,” he concluded.

READ: Shaheen Afridi replaces Mohammad Rizwan as Pakistan’s ODI captain

LAHORE: Shaheen Shah Afridi has been appointed as Pakisan new ODI captain, replacing wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan following a leadership review by team management.

Shaheen will captain Pakistan in the three-match ODI series against South Africa, set to begin on November 4.

The decision to appoint Shaheen Shah Afridi was taken at a meeting held in Islamabad. The meeting was attended by head coach Mike Hesson, director of high performance Aqib Javed and members of the selection committee.

The move also came following Pakistan’s string of disappointing ODI performances this year.

The Men in Green failed to advance beyond the first round of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, before suffering a 3-0 whitewash at the hands of New Zealand and a 2-1 series defeat to the West Indies.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Meanwhile, Shaheen Afridi has enjoyed remarkable success as captain of the Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), leading them to three title wins.

Interestingly, this would not be Shaheen’s first stint as national captain. He previously led Pakistan in the T20I format but was replaced after just one series.

During Shaheen Afridi captaincy in January 2024, Pakistan lost five-match series 4-1 against Zealand.

The defeat resulted in captaincy change as he was replaced in the role by star batter Babar Azam, who led the side until the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 played in USA and West Indies.

Mohammad Rizwan, who was appointed Pakistan white-ball captain on October 27, 2024, delivered some impressive results during his breif tenure, including memorable ODI series wins in Australia and South Africa.

However, his tenure in the T20I format ended soon after Men in Green lost all four T20Is under his leadership.

Overall, Rizwan captained Pakistan in 20 ODIs, winning nine and losing 11, finishing with a winning percentage of 45.

READ: Confident Rameen targets semi-final berth despite odds against Pakistan

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly weighing a significant leadership change in the ODI setup, with left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi emerging as the frontrunner to replace Mohammad Rizwan as captain.

According to reports, the move is being discussed following Pakistan’s string of disappointing ODI performances this year.

The Men in Green failed to advance beyond the first round of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, before suffering a 3-0 whitewash at the hands of New Zealand and a 2-1 series defeat to the West Indies.

With the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 already on the horizon, the PCB is said to be considering sweeping changes aimed at reinvigorating the team’s approach and results in the 50-over format.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Shaheen Afridi, who has enjoyed remarkable success as captain of the Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), leading them to three title wins, is viewed as a strong contender to bring fresh energy and direction to the ODI side.

Interestingly, this would not be Shaheen’s first stint as national captain. He previously led Pakistan in the T20I format but was replaced after just one series.

The PCB’s decision-making group is expected to finalise discussions in the coming week, with the squad announcement for the upcoming white-ball series against South Africa also on the horizon.

READ: PCB confirms tri-Series will go ahead despite Afghanistan withdrawal

Two-time Big Bash League (BBL) champions Brisbane Heat have announced to honor Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi, naming a stand at the Gabba ‘Shaheen’s Fan Bay’.

Shaheen will make his debut in the upcoming edition of the tournament after being picked in the overseas draft earlier this year.

The ticket for the Shaheen Bay will go on sale soon, with the dedicated zone active during all five of the Brisbane Heat’s home fixtures at the Gabba. The matches are set to be played on December 19, December 27, January 2, January 10, and January 18.

“Best seats in the Gabba to cheer on Shaheen Shah Afridi!”, the franchise wrote in the social media post.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“Cheer on Shaheen Shah Afridi as he brings the heat in BBL15. These are the best seats in the house to support one of the world’s most exciting fast bowlers – surrounded by passionate fans, music, and cultural pride. Show your cultural flair. Make some noise for Shaheen and the Heat!”, it added.

Earlier, Melbourne Stars announced “House of Rauf”, a stand dedicated for Pakistani cricket fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suspended players’ No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for overseas leagues.

According to Cricinfo, Sumair Ahmad Syed has informed the players and agents of the decision on September 29.

“With the approval of Chairman PCB, all No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players with respect to participation in leagues and other out-of-country tournaments are hereby put on hold until further orders,” the report quoted the notification.

However, the reason behind the decision is unknown. The report further stated that the PCB wants to link the NOCs to a performance-based system for which the criteria have not been made public.

It is worth mentioning that Pakistani players were among the popular selections in the BBL 15 overseas draft held earlier this year.

Babar Azam was roped in by the Sydney Sixers, whereas Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi were drafted by the Melbourne Renegades and the Brisbane Heat.

Haris Rauf, a regular in the BBL, was retained by Melbourne Stars, the franchise where he has become a fan favourite over the years with his pace and aggression.

READ: PCB suspends players’ NOCs for overseas T20 leagues

DUBAI: Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi opened up after his match-winning performance against Bangladesh in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Pakistan edged Bangladesh by 11 runs to set up its first against arch-rivals India in the continental tournament.

Shaheen Afridi starred with the bat and ball for Pakistan, first chipping in with a crucial 19 runs from 13 balls with the aid of two sixes.

Pakistan posted 135-8 in their 20 overs, courtesy of Bangladesh’s clinical bowling.

Defending a low total, Pakistan needed a special effort up front, and Shaheen provided it with his new ball burst, which set the tone early for the Green Shirts to take hold of the game.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

He removed Parvez Hossain Emon and Towhid Hridoy in his first two overs and came back to bowl his last and took the key wicket of Shamim Hossain, which proved to be a final nail in the coffin for the opposition.

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Shaheen emphasized his performance and the importance of early wickets.

“I want to dedicate this (award) to my beautiful wife and son. Early on, as a team, we need breakthroughs, and I go for that. In a small total, you need early breakthroughs, and we planned that,” he said.

The 25-year-old also mentioned the slower ball, which removed Shamim Hossain
and expressed his excitement about playing the final against India.

When asked about Shamim’s dismissal on a slower delivery, Shaheen said, ” No, no. I was working on this delivery and glad that in the main time, I delivered. We needed that wicket, and we did it.”

Before the wicket, an animated Mike Hesson [Pakistan white-ball head coach] was seen signalling the pacer to take pace off the ball.

“After early wickets, team decided (to let me go) and take on bowlers. Those sixes turned the momentum to our end. We are ready [ on facing India],” he concluded.

READ: Pakistan ‘good enough to beat India’ in final, says Salman Ali Agha

DUBAI: Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi shared a lighthearted moment when he forgot about Bangladesh’s nickname ‘Tigers’ ahead of their Super Four clash against them in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.

Ahead of Pakistan-Bangladesh clash, Shaheen was asked about Pakistan’s playing XI against the ‘Tigers’.

“Tigers who?” the pacer laughed and replied, “I’ll ask the head coach—sorry, I don’t know.”

Looking ahead to the Bangladesh game, Shaheen said Pakistan were fully focused.

“Bangladesh are a good team and have been playing good cricket recently. In such games, you must land the first punch and not give them opportunities. We will have to play well in all three departments—batting, bowling and fielding—to win,” he told reporters.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

He also discussed the increased aggression from Pakistan’s fast bowlers, particularly against India in the Super Fours encounter.

“It’s nothing new. We’ve always been aggressive since the day we started playing cricket. That’s how fast bowling is played. When a fast bowler shows aggression, it lifts the energy of the whole team. There is no special plan for this—our job is to show aggression and take wickets,” he remarked.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“Everyone has their own opinion, but our job is to play cricket. We won the tri-nation series; now we are here to win the Asia Cup. As a team, we are working hard to give Pakistan joy,” he added.

The 25-year-old shed light on his performances with the bat and ball that lifted Pakistan out of the trouble.

“My role is to give 100% in whatever position I’m asked to play—batting, bowling, or fielding. Even if I’m unwell or injured, I never show it. My focus is to keep the team’s morale high and play with full energy,” he said.

“If you are in the team, you should be ready to do everything—batting, bowling, and fielding. Everyone has to contribute in whatever role they are given so that Pakistan benefits,” he said.

READ: Shaheen Afridi sends Asia Cup warning as third India clash looms

Pakistan pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi has declared that his team will reach the ACC Asia Cup 2025 final and can beat India if the arch-rivals clash again.

Pakistan kept their campaign alive with a five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in a Super Four clash in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

India and Pakistan have met twice in this edition of the regional competition, but the neighbors have never played against each other in an Asia Cup final.

The regional tournament, played this time in the United Arab Emirates under the Twenty20 format, started in 1984, and this is its 17th edition.

Bangladesh, who face India on Wednesday and Pakistan on Thursday, stand in the way of the great rivals facing off in Sunday’s decider in Dubai.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

India are the holders and beat Pakistan in both previous matches, but Shaheen was in a bullish mood after taking 3-28 against Sri Lanka.

“They have still not reached the final. When they do, then we will see them,” said Shaheen of India.

“We are here to win the cup, whichever team comes in the final, we are ready to beat them.”

If both teams reach the final, India will once again start as strong favorites, having won 12 of 15 T20Is between the two countries.

India have also won the last seven internationals against Pakistan since September 2022, four T20Is and three one-day internationals.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

That sequence prompted India skipper Suryakumar Yadav to declare that India-Pakistan “is not a rivalry anymore”.

In both wins for India in the UAE, there were no handshakes, adding another layer to an already intense rivalry.

“It is his opinion that, let him say that,” said Shaheen of Suryakumar’s cutting comments.

“When they reach the final, then they will see. Our job is to win the Asia Cup, and we will make a complete effort to do that.”

READ: Abrar enters top five, Sahibzada becomes Pakistan’s best batter in T20I Rankings

ABU DHABI: Left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi on Tuesday went past Shadab Khan to become the second-highest wicket taker for Pakistan in the T20Is.

Shaheen reached the feat during Pakistan’s clash against Sri Lanka in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours played here at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.

The 25-year-old surpassed Shadab after removing Sri Lanka’s openers– Patthum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis.

Before heading into the match, Shaheen Afridi had scalped 111 wickets in 89 games.

Most wickets for Pakistan in Men’s T20Is

Haris Rauf – 128 wickets in 89 innings
Shaheen Shah Afridi – 113 wickets in 90 innings*
Shadab Khan – 112 wickets in 104 innings
Shahid Afridi – 97 wickets in 96 innings
Saeed Ajmal – 85 wickets in 60 innings

Overall, Shaheen Afridi took three wickets in his four overs and gave away 28 runs. Courtesy of his bowling effort, Sri Lanka were restricted to a modest 133-run total in their 20 overs.

It is pertinent to mention that Shaheen Afridi picked only three wickets in five games before playing the match against Sri Lanka.

However, he played crucial cameos with the bat to lift Pakistan out of trouble in the group stage fixtures of the Asia Cup 2025 against India and UAE.

Playing XIs

Sri Lanka XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (capt), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara

Pakistan XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Agha (capt.), Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Haris (wk), Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

READ: England name pace-heavy squad for Ashes 2025