What's wrong with Shaheen Afridi's form at ICC World Cup 2023?

Pakistan’s star bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is not at his best during the ICC World Cup 2023. This has been echoed by former Pakistani pacer Waqar Younus and even India’s former cricketer Ravi Shastri.

Although Shaheen has managed to take four wickets, he has also conceded 139 runs. Moreover, his pace has significantly reduced, raising concerns over his fitness.

Former cricketers criticise Shaheen

India’s former cricketer, Ravi Shastri, was brutal in his criticism of Afridi. During the commentary of the India vs. Pakistan match on October 14, when India comfortably reached 150, Shastri simply said, “Shaheen Shah Afridi koi Wasim Akram nahi hai. Wo daalenge new ball ke saath toh nikal sakte hai wicket. Acche bowler hai. But itna zyada chadhaane ka kuch nahi hai. Jab hai theek thak toh bolna chahiye theek thaak. Chadhake nahi bolna chahiye ki boht zabaradast hai. Nahi ye manna padega. Accept karo (Shaheen Afridi is no Wasim Akram. He will indeed get a wicket if he bowls with the new ball. But there is no need to overhype him. There is no need to praise him by over-considering his performance. You need to accept this.)"

Just Ravi Shastri casually toasting opposition 😂#RaviShastri #irfanpathan #ShaheenShahAfridi #indvspak2023 #Rohit #RohitSharma #IndianCricketTeam #IndiavsPak #ShreyasIyer #ICCCricketWorldCup23 #CricketFever #Babar #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/YrvOYG1DX8

— Vinay Upadhyay (@vinay_sir_ji) October 14, 2023

Concern over Shaheen Afridi's Form was also raised by Pakistan’s former legendary pacer Waqar Younis. “I don’t know if there is a problem in his fitness,” Waqar, who is in India for commentary, said to AFP.

Waqar said that “the missing link in his bowling is discipline and he is over trying to get wickets.” He instead has suggested Shaheen take inspiration from India’s Jasprit Bumrah, who has taken 8 wickets in 3 matches and is India’s top-class bowler.

Shaheen Afridi’s pace

• Shaheen Afridi has maintained his swing with the new ball, but it's his pace that has taken a hit this World Cup.
• If we look at stats, in the last 18 months, Shaheen Afridi’s deliveries above 140 kmph have come down significantly.
• That is a big letdown for a bowler like Shaheen Afirid who is rated as one of the best ODI fast bowlers in the World.
• In the match against Sri Lanka, Shaheen went for 66 runs in his spell with only 1 wicket.
• His pace has affected his economy considerably this World Cup.
• Shaheen Afridi is a star for Pakistan, someone whose first over against any opponent is a breathtaking spectacle with those lightning-fast swing deliveries and quick dismissals.
• Suddenly, the bowler has lost his spark and is now bowling at an average speed of 135 kmph.

Does he need rest?

• Shaheen Afridi’s leg injury, which he sustained a few months back, might be hampering his spell, and that may be the reason why he needs rest for some time.
• But then, with crucial World Cup matches lined up, it would be difficult for Babar Azam to keep Shaheen out of the squad.
• Nevertheless, Shaheen is Pakistan’s most special bowler, someone who has emerged as a top-class ODI bowler.
• His strike-rate of 26.1 in ODI cricket is perhaps the best in the world, and only cricketers like Ajantha Mendis, Sandip Lamichhane.
• His form may have dipped, but Shaheen Afridi simply cannot be written off so early.

Pakistan will next face Australia on October 20, 2023, at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.