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Fact Check: Did Shaheen Afridi Bowl 3 Times More Overs Than Other Pacers In Last 18 Months?

Pakistan’s premier fast bowler Shaheen Afridi and Gary Kirsten [X.com]Pakistan’s premier fast bowler Shaheen Afridi and Gary Kirsten [X.com]

During commentary in the Champions Cup, Pakistan’s white-ball head coach, Gary Kirsten, made a startling claim. He argued that Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s premier fast bowler, has bowled three times more than any other fast bowler in the world over the past 18 months. 

Kirsten emphasised the dangers of overworking Shaheen, pointing out how this could wear him down in the long run.

"I saw a scary stat the other day that Shaheen Afridi in the last 18 months has bowled 3 times more overs than any other fast bowler in the world. That’s not good use of your resources. You’re going to wear him down at some point," Gary Kirsten said during commentary.

Since his international debut in 2018, Shaheen Afridi has become a linchpin for Pakistan’s bowling attack across formats. His ability to consistently bowl at speeds exceeding 140 km/h made him indispensable. Even during the 2022 T20 World Cup Final, he attempted to bowl through injury, further showcasing his determination and the immense pressure on him.

However, post-injury, Shaheen’s performance wasn’t the same. His pace dropped significantly, and although he continued to feature in matches, it was clear he wasn’t at his physical best. His persistence raised questions about how much Pakistan relies on him and whether this heavy workload was compromising his long-term health.

Gary Kirsten’s Stats: Misleading or Misunderstood?  

While Gary Kirsten’s concern is valid, his statistics are inaccurate. According to official records, Shaheen has bowled 646.1 overs since January 2023. Although this is a substantial number, Australian pacer Pat Cummins has bowled even more—592.4 overs in international cricket alone. When factoring in Cummins’ domestic performances, he overtakes Shaheen in overall workload.