'Shaheen Afridi will be missed a lot'- Wasim Akram

Shaheen Afridi [PC: Twitter]

Legendary Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram has claimed that the absence of left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi will be a huge miss for Babar Azam's side in the upcoming Asia Cup.

Pakistan were dealt with a body blow last month when it was confirmed that Afridi will miss the Asia Cup and the home T20I series against England due to a knee injury.

Afridi is one of the best new ball bowlers around in world cricket, and his wicket-taking ability in the powerplay is something Pakistan will miss, feels Akram.

Pakistan have named right-arm pacer Mohammad Hasnain as Afridi's replacement.

Akram believes that the Men in Green are well covered when it comes to pace, but he fears that the attack is a bit one-dimensional.

Speaking to Star Sports in the lead-up to the Asia Cup, Akram said:

"Shaheen Afridi will be missed a lot. He is important because of the new ball. In this format, if you have to restrict the opposition by taking early wickets and that is what the does. He attacks the stumps in all formats."

Can others step-up in Shaheen Afridi's absence during the Asia Cup?

Pakistan's Asia Cup campaign will get under way against arch-rivals India in Dubai on August 28.

Afridi's new ball spell was the decisive factor in Pakistan's historic World Cup win over India last year. The left-arm pacer knocked over Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul with swing, pace and pin-point accuracy.

Given the inexperience in Pakistan's seam-attack, Afridi's absence is a massive blow to his side's fortunes and Babar and co will hope that the likes of Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah can step up to the occasion.

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