3 Bowlers Who Can Replace Shaheen Afridi In T20I Squad From Pakistan T20 Cup

Bowlers who could replace Shaheen [Source: @Iam_Mian/X.com]

The inevitable happened and Shaheen Afridi was dropped from the playing XI of the fifth T20I match against New Zealand on Wednesday. The pace bowler was woefully out of form and took only two wickets in the series at an economy touching nearly 11 runs per over in 4 matches.

As a result, the team management dropped him from the final game of the series. He has been underwhelming across all formats as of late and could be dropped from the T20I side for the upcoming tours. If Shaheen indeed gets dropped for the future T20I series, here are 3 bowlers from the National T20 Cup who could replace the star pacer.

1) Hasan Ali

The forgotten star of Pakistan cricket, Hasan Ali hasn't played for his nation since May 2024, but had an impressive performance in the National T20 Cup and has once again knocked on the doors of the selectors.

(Hasan Ali stats in T20 Cup)

The pacer has 13 wickets in just 4 matches and has been a rock solid bowler for his team, Sialkot. He continues to impress with his exceptional skills and could be a dark horse to replace Shaheen in the T20Is if the pacer gets dropped.

2) Mohammad Amir Khan

The underrated gem of Pakistan domestic circuit, Mohammad Amir has started to reach the peak of his powers and has been consistent with his bowling in the Pakistan T20 Cup.

(Mohammad Amir stats in T20 Cup)

As the numbers suggests, he has been out of the world in the T20 Cup, picking up 7 wickets in 3 matches, but most importantly has an average of under 10 and an economy going under 6 runs per over. These are mind-boggling numbers and the pacer should be rewarded with a place in the T20I side if Shaheen gets dropped, the way he was replaced in the fifth T20I.

3) Muhammad Ismail

The bowler with the second most wickets in T20 Cup 2025, Muhammad Ismail's rapid growth needs to be studied. The right-arm pacer has been express and has troubled the batters with his brilliant deliveries.

(Ismail stats in T20 Cup)

As the stats say, he has been in the form of his life and the batters have found it difficult to deal with him. In 4 matches, Ismail already has 10 wickets, with an economy of just 7.38. He is just 19 and could be a long-term prospect for Pakistan and could replace Shaheen in the squad.

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