Shaheen Shah Afridi Archives

Three Pakistan players named in ICC ODI Men’s Team of the Year 2024

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday revealed the Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024, featuring Pakistan’s pace duo of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf as well as emerging opener Saim Ayub.

The ICC ODI Team of the Year 2024 includes four players from Sri Lanka and three players each from Pakistan and Afghanistan. Additionally, there is one player from the West Indies.

Sri Lankan all-rounder Charith Asalanka has been named captain of the team following an impressive year with both bat and ball. He consistently performed for his team, scoring 605 runs at an average of 50.2 and taking ten key wickets.

Pathum Nissanka, a top-order batter from Sri Lanka, also made the team after smashing a double hundred against Afghanistan in February 2024.

He accumulated 694 runs at an average of 63.1, with an impressive strike rate of 106.4. Alongside his double hundred, he scored two additional centuries and two half-centuries during the year.

Kusal Mendis is the third Sri Lankan player in the ODI Team of the Year 2024, having scored a remarkable 742 runs—the highest by any player in ODIs during the year.

He maintained an average of 53 and scored at a strike rate of 90.6, which included one century and six half-centuries.

Wanindu Hasaranga is the fourth player in the line-up, having taken 26 wickets across ten games at an average of 15.6.

Hasaranga’s 7/19 against Zimbabwe in January is the fifth-best return in an innings in ODI history, joining an elite club of bowlers that have taken seven scalps in a match.

Saim Ayub was the break-out star from Pakistan, earning his place with a stellar performance throughout the year.

The left-handed batsman scored 515 runs in just nine innings at an average of 64.37, demonstrating consistency and flair at the top of the order.

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He also took five wickets at an average of 27.80, playing a crucial role in several of Pakistan’s victories, including a historic whitewash of South Africa in their own backyard, where he was named Player of the Series.

Joining Ayub are Pakistan’s pace duo, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf. Afridi dominated with the new ball, claiming 15 wickets in six matches at an average of 17.60. His lethal yorkers and swing deliveries made him a nightmare for opposing batters.

Meanwhile, Haris contributed with raw pace and accuracy, securing 13 wickets in eight matches. His ability to strike during the death overs was vital for Pakistan He was named Player of the Series in Pakistan’s historic 2-1 victory against Australia.

Afghanistan’s swashbuckling wicket-keeper batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz also found a place in the line-up after scoring 531 Runs at an average of 48.2, including three centuries and two half-centuries.

His team-mates all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai and young spinner AM Ghazanfar were the other two players from the country in the ICC ODI Team of the Year 2024.

Omarzai contributed both with the bat and ball, scoring 417 Runs and taking 17 wickets during the year, playing a key role for his team.

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Ghazanfar made an immediate impact after making his ODI debut in March against Ireland.

He became the fifth-youngest player to take a five-for in an ODI, picking up 6/26 against Bangladesh in November. He took 21 wickets in 11 games last year at an average of 13.57.

West Indies’ power-hitter Sherfane Rutherford also enjoyed a stellar form in 2024, which earned him a place in the ODI team of the year.

He scored 425 runs in nine games at a brilliant average of 106.2. He displayed his impressive power-hitting abilities as he scored at a brisk strike-rate of 120.1.

ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024

Saim Ayub (Pakistan), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan), Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka), Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka – Wicketkeeper), Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka – Captain), Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies), Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan), Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan), Haris Rauf (Pakistan), AM Ghazanfar (Afghanistan)

READ: Naseem Shah ‘excited’ to play with THESE two foreign players in PSL 10

Haris Rauf makes significant leap, Shaheen Afridi moves down in ICC T20I Rankings

DUBAI: Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf made a significant leap, while his fellow pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi experienced a downfall in the latest ICC T20I Bowling Rankings released on Wednesday.

The Green Shirts suffered a humiliating whitewash in the three-match series against Australia, which resulted in Pakistani players’ steep fall in the rankings.

Shaheen Afridi had a disappointing outing during the series, struggling to find his rhythm on the field. He managed to claim just one wicket, resulting in a frustrating bowling average of 107.00 and a high economy rate of 11.88 runs per over.

This below-par performance caused him to drop 10 spots to settle in the 24th position in the ICC T20I Bowling Rankings.

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Similarly, Naseem Shah also claimed only one wicket in two games, conceding runs at an economy rate of 13.50, which caused him to drop 14 places to 65th.

However, Haris Rauf and Abbas Afridi made significant gains in the ICC T20I Bowling Rankings courtesy of their brilliant performances despite Pakistan’s loss.

Haris gained four spots to reach 20th with 601 rating points after taking five wickets in three games at an average of 15.40.

Meanwhile, Abbas Afridi claimed six wickets in as many games at a brilliant average of 6.66, which resulted in him entering the top 100 T20I bowlers in the rankings. He is currently sitting in the 83rd spot after making a 39-place jump.

READ: Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan suffer decline in ICC T20I Rankings

Babar, Shaheen react to Pakistan’s drought-ending Test series win

Star batter Babar Azam and ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi reacted to Pakistan’s home Test series victory after a gap of more than three years.

Pakistan were in heaps of trouble after succumbing to an innings and 47 runs defeat in the opening fixture, which saw England rack up a humongous total of 823/7d in the first innings, courtesy of Harry Brook’s triple century and Joe Root’s double century.

The under-fire hosts needed a miracle to fight for the series glory and they made four massive changes to their squad for the remaining two Tests, which marked the ouster of big names like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah.

Consistent domestic performer Kamran Ghulam replaced Babar, while the dynamic spin duo of Sajid Khan and Noman Ali came in as Shaheen and Naseem’s replacement.

The spin duo dismantled England in the remaining two Tests and picked up 39 out of their 40 wickets, while another late entrant Zahid Mahmood bagged the solitary wicket.

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Besides troubling England with their spin mastery, Sajid and Noman chipped in with the bat, providing handy contributions.

The mid-series additions Sajid Khan and Noman Ali played a pivotal role in marking an astounding turnaround for Pakistan, who recovered from 0-1 down to beat England 2-1 and seal their first Test series victory at home since 2021.

Meanwhile, star batter Babar Azam, who was dropped from the squad after the opening Test, owing to his string of below-par performances, congratulated the team on an “incredible turnaround” and also lauded Sajid Khan and Noman Ali.

“Phenomenal effort once again to make a grand comeback. Amazing turnaround by Noman and Sajid! Congratulations, Team Pakistan,” Babar posted on Instagram.

Meanwhile, left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi hailed Sajid and Noman for “pitch-perfect” performances and vice-captain Saud Shakeel for a gutsy century.

“What an incredible way to introduce #AqibBall to the world. Pitch-perfect performance from the spin duo Noman and Sajid, and incredible century by Saud Shakeel. Congratulations Pakistan,” wrote Shaheen on his Instagram story.

READ: New Zealand hand India first home Test series defeat in 12 years

Manchester United welcomes Shaheen Afridi at “Theatre of Dreams”

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

Saqlain Mushtaq comments on Pakistan’s white-ball captaincy debate

Former Pakistan head coach Saqlain Mushtaq shared his two cents on the ongoing debate regarding the white-ball captaincy of the national men’s team.

During an interview with a local cricket website, Mushtaq urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to do long-term planning while making decisions regarding the captaincy of the national cricket team.

Saqlain Mushtaq further added that the concerned authorities within the cricket board should be making decisions regarding the captaincy after analyzing players, who they think are capable enough to lead the team while responding to the calls for the ouster of current whit-ball captain Babar Azam.

“Many people are saying that he [Babar Azam] should quit captaincy and play as a regular player. But all these voices are coming from outside, from people who are watching and listening to things from the outside. These are comments from outsiders,” Mushtaq said.

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“We shouldn’t listen to the voices of those outside. The people inside, who are observing the situation from within, should see what’s really going on and decide who is capable of leading the team effectively.

“If you have to appoint a captain, do you look at the short term, long term, or mid-term? What are you considering when appointing a captain? We don’t seem to have a vision, we look at what’s going to happen tomorrow and appoint a captain, then change the team the next day. Because the people making these decisions don’t even know if they’ll be around tomorrow, there’s no plan for the long term,” he added.

Saqlain Mushtaq further backed his stance by citing the example of left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, who was removed as T20I captain after leading the national team in just one bilateral series.

“For example, Shaheen was appointed for the short term and he’s already out. Now Babar has come in for the short term, there’s been just one World Cup, and now he’ll be changed. Someone else will come, and then there’s the Champions Trophy, and after that, the T20 World Cup,” he added.

READ: Ravi Shastri picks India-Pakistan clash as his favourite World Cup moment

Shaheen Shah Afridi breaks silence on captaincy snub

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

Babar, Rizwan, Shaheen denied NOC by PCB for Global T20 Canada

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided against issuing the No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi to participate in the Global T20 (GT20) Canada 2024.

According to the cricketing body, the three all-format players were denied NOCs, in light of Pakistan’s busy and packed cricket calendar in the period from August 2024 to March 2025 which includes ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

“The PCB had received NOC requests from Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi for the Global T20 event, amongst other players. After taking into consideration Pakistan’s busy and packed cricket calendar in the period from August 2024 to March 2025, which includes nine ICC World Test Championship matches and next year’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and following consultations with the three players as well as the national selection committee, it has been decided to decline their requests,” stated PCB.

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“The three are all-format cricketers and their services are expected to be required in the upcoming eight months during which Pakistan will play nine Tests, 14 ODIs, and nine T20Is.

“As such, and in line with the PCB’s workload management policy, it is in the best interest of Pakistan cricket and the players that they skip the upcoming event in Canada so that they are in their best mental and physical shape for the season, which commences with the two-Test series against Bangladesh.”

Earlier, the PCB had also declined permission to Naseem Shah for The Hundred on the same grounds.

However, the PCB has approved NOCs for Asif Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, and Mohammad Nawaz as the four players are predominantly white-ball cricketers, while Iftikhar and Nawaz are centrally contracted players.

READ: GT20 Canada awaits approval from ICC for upcoming edition

Former captains to settle dispute between Babar, Rizwan and Shaheen

Former Pakistan captains will resolve the alleged dispute between Pakistan’s white-ball captain Babar Azam, wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan and ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, sources claimed Saturday.

According to the sources, the former captains contacted all three senior members of the Pakistan Men’s Cricket Team and extended an offer to mediate between them.

Details further suggested that a meeting involving Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi would be held at a former captain’s residence upon the pacer’s return to the country.

For the unversed, Shaheen has been in hot water lately after reports emerged that the left-arm pacer was involved in a heated argument with batting coach Mohammad Yousuf during Pakistan’s tour to Ireland and England 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.

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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.

The left-arm pacer then posted a cryptic message amid reports regarding his altercation with coaches.

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

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: PCB denies NOC to Naseem Shah for The Hundred – reports

Wasim Akram advises Arshdeep Singh to bowl like Shaheen Afridi

Pakistan former captain and legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram shared a piece of advice for India left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh.

Speaking to an international sports outlet, Akram advised Arshdeep to bowl fuller deliveries in the initial phase of the innings ‘just like Pakistan left-armer Shaheen Shah Afridi’.

The former captain, who himself was a left-arm fast bowler, believed that fuller length deliveries would help Arshdeep, especially in the West Indies conditions

“He (Arshdeep) will get some help with the new ball in West Indies. The pitches are not very flat like we have seen in the IPL or Pakistan. He can take a chance with the new ball and pitch it up. Bowl like Shaheen Afridi,” Akram said.

He added that Arshdeep should have the mid-on and mid-off on the straighter side while bowling full length to ensure that even if he misses his mark, he has protection to stop the boundary.

“He can try that. Keep the mid-on and mid-off a bit straighter, so even if he misses the mark with the yorker, the two fielders can stop the straight shots,” the legendary pacer said.

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Akram also advised Arshdeep to rely on variations while in the death over. ”For his second spell, he should be using variations. While I’ve not seen him very closely recently, I think he’s got the potential to be a regular bowler for India, and I hope he has Test cricket in his mind. You can earn money and be famous for a year in T20s. but if you want to leave a legacy behind, you will have to think of the longest format,” he added.

India is currently placed at No.2 in Super 8’s Group 1 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, having won against Afghanistan by 47 runs. The Rohit Sharma-led team is facing Bangladesh in their second match of the Super 8 match at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua and Barbuda.

READ: Shaheen Afridi will get Pakistan captaincy again: Wasim Akram

Shaheen Afridi will get Pakistan captaincy again: Wasim Akram

Pakistan’s legendary pacer Wasim Akram believes that left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi will get the leadership of the national team again.

Akram, in an interview, with an international sports media outlet, was asked to share his views on the ongoing captaincy saga of the national men’s cricket team.

The legendary pacer did not mince his words and lambasted the sudden changes in the team’s leadership, stating that such things would never result in consistent performances.

“Babar [Azam] was removed and Shaheen was brought in. He then lost one series and at that time, a new chairman came, who ordered to change the captain and the captain was changed,” stated Akram.

“This is not on. People make fun of us in world cricket. They don’t get it. If you made [Shaheen] Afridi captain, then should have given him at least a year,” he added.

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Akram then termed his distance from the Pakistan cricket set-up a blessing in disguise, considering the criticism involved.

“They don’t ask us [anything] but it’s good that we’re away from Pakistan cricket. It’s a blessing in disguise because it’s just criticism and politics,” Akram said.

Wasim Akram then went on to reveal what he likes the most about Shaheen Afridi before asserting that he would get the captaincy again.

“He’s a wicket-taking bowler. He goes for wickets. He attacks with the new ball in the T20 format. Everyone knows that he’ll pitch it up but he still gets them out and that’s what I love about him,” stated Akram.

“He’s an aggressive cricketer and he’s only 23 or 24 years old, maybe younger. Got a bright future ahead. He’ll get the captaincy again but should focus on his game until he doesn’t get it,” he added.

READ: Azhar Mahmood reveals reason behind backing Shadab Khan