Photo Credit: Twitter Profile Photo of @Gary_Kirsten, Instagram Photo of @ishaheenafridi10
Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi has experienced a significant decline in form over the past year, resulting in his exclusion from the second Test against Bangladesh. Once a key performer for Pakistan across formats, Afridi was ranked among the world’s top bowlers, contributing to several notable victories. However, his recent performances have fallen short of expectations.
In the past 12 months, Afridi’s Test bowling average has risen to 42.90, a considerable increase from his overall career average of 27.08. His form in ODIs has also dipped, with his average climbing to 26.72 during the same period, compared to his career average of 23.94.
Pakistan’s white-ball coach Gary Kirsten believes Shaheen Afridi’s burnout is due to the continuous cricket schedule. Kirsten noted that Afridi has bowled more overs than any other fast bowler in the world over the last 18 months and emphasized the importance of managing the workload of pacers like Afridi and Naseem Shah. He warned that without proper rest, players will eventually face physical decline.
“Fast bowlers are always under immense pressure to deliver and win games. When we look at our key resources, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah have carried the bulk of the workload for Pakistan across all formats. Shaheen has bowled three times more overs than any other fast bowler in the world over the last 18 months. That’s alarming—you’re bound to wear him down eventually,” said Kirsten while commentating during Pakistan’s Champions Cup.
Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah are both currently competing in the Champions 50 Over Cup. Afridi is playing for the Lions, while Shah represents the Markhors. Both pacers have shown solid form across two matches, each taking five wickets.
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