Image source– Shaheen Shah Afridi’s Twitter/ X handle
It is hard to believe that Shaheen Afridi is still only 24, for he has gone through a circle, he has been country’s no.1 bowler, captained the side, suffered career threatening injury, involved in controversies and has been one of the most popular cricketers of the country.
He has taken 296 wickets in international cricket in just six years, a primary reason why he is regarded as one of the best in the world.
Then what has happened now?
Credit to where it’s due, Shaheen Afridi has not faltered much; since returning from the career-threatening injury he sustained in the T20 World Cup final in Australia (November 2022), he has claimed 42 wickets in just 21 ODIs. That is not all; he’s clinched 38 wickets in 21 T20I’s at an exceptional average of 17.3.
However, unlike his former self, Afridi no longer seems to possess the same commanding aura or the formidable threat he once did.
At least, it seems that way.
Compounding this issue, his Test cricket performances have been disappointing.
Struggling with fitness, he has managed only 16 wickets in 5 Tests at an average of 40.81. Although it was stated that he was rested for the second Test against Bangladesh, it is evident that he is no longer trusted as the country’s premier Test pace bowler.
Issue with pace and fitness
Aside from grappling with recent fitness issues, notably a troublesome knee, it has been observed that his pace has diminished from the early 140’s to the early 130’s. This decline in speed is a primary factor contributing to the reduced effectiveness of his performances.
The sporadic Test matches that the Pakistan team plays have also been a significant factor in his reduced returns in the longer format of the game. Over the course of his six-year career, he has played only 30 Test matches, with there being just 5 Tests in the last two years.
Maintaining the same rhythm and intensity becomes exceedingly challenging after such long gaps, particularly in a team that relies heavily on his pace bowling.
Lesser Tests in Longer or Careers
Pakistan cricket has a long history of mismanaging its players, which contributes to their relatively shorter Test careers compared to players from other countries.
Despite starting their careers at a young age, Pakistani cricketers often have fewer Test matches under their belts. For example, Imran Khan played 88 Tests over 19 years, Waqar Younis 87 Tests in 14 years, and Wasim Akram 103 Tests in 19 years. Even renowned batsmen like Javed Miandad participated in 124 Tests over 17 years, Saleem Malik 103 Tests in 17 years, and Mohammad Yousuf 90 Tests in 12 years.
Different names, familiar hurdles
It’s important to reflect on the fact that contemporary names in Pakistan cricket, such as Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi have played in only 54 and 30 Tests, respectively. While former Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been around for eight years, Afridi, who must find a way to mount a comeback to form, has played the sport for a little over half a decade.
However, from a historical standpoint, even the greatest players have encountered similar hurdles, with some careers ending and others never quite regaining their former glory. However, Afridi possesses a significant advantage—his youth.
The challenges faced by selectors; intermittent breaks, conflicts with colleagues and what not; seem to have somewhere hurt Shaheen Afridi’s trajectory.
But all is certainly not lost.
At just 24, Shaheen Afridi has ample time to overcome this phase. With his exceptional talent and inherent ability, he is well-positioned to navigate this slump and emerge even stronger.
Pakistan’s upcoming schedule of seven Tests over the next four months will be pivotal in determining whether Afridi can reclaim his status as the nation’s premier bowler or if his current struggles will persist.
Pakistan would greatly welcome Afridi’s return to form, as the state of domestic Test cricket is currently at its lowest ebb since the country’s inception in the format. His resurgence could reignite hope and elevate the standards of the game during these challenging times.
