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"I Come To Bat Because...": Shaheen Afridi On His Pinch-Hitting Before PSL 10

Soumyajit Dutta

Shaheen Afridi [Source: CricCrazyJohns/X]Shaheen Afridi [Source: CricCrazyJohns/X]

Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has shed light on his adaptable approach to batting during the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Reflecting on last season, the pace spearhead highlighted his willingness to step in early during crises, prioritizing the team’s needs over personal milestones. 

Shaheen Shah Afridi's proactive mindset aims to shield specialist batters from high-pressure scenarios while capitalizing on aggressive cameos.

Shaheen Opens Up On His Batting Approach In PSL

Despite occasionally stepping up as a pinch-hitter, Shaheen remains focused on his primary role as a frontline bowler. 

Shaheen elaborated on his tactical decisions which focused on him getting in at the right time and digging up some runs to help the main batters.

“When I come to bat early, the team is already four to five wickets down at an early stage. I come to bat because the team needs me. I don’t want the main batters of the team to go out there in a difficult situation. I try to go under the pressure and make some quick runs.”

He also emphasized the low stakes of his wicket in such scenarios. Much like KKR's Sunil Narine, who comes in as the pinch hitter to dig out most of the runs inside the powerplays despite not being a conventional batter.

“If I get out doing that, there's no importance to my wicket, but if a senior batter went out in that situation, the team would be under pressure.”

However, Shaheen dismissed notions of transitioning into an all-rounder role. “I don’t have any such intention of being an all-rounder. It happens for fun. My job is to bowl and then bat.”

PSL To Get Underway Soon!

The 10th edition of the PSL, running from April 11 to May 18, will see 34 matches across four venues. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host 13 fixtures, including the final and Eliminators, while Rawalpindi stages 11 games and the first Qualifier. Karachi and Multan will each organize five matches. 

Three double-headers are scheduled, with two on Saturdays and one on Labour Day (May 1), promising a thrilling month-long cricketing spectacle. The defending champions, Islamabad United, will face Lahore Qalandars in the tournament opener on April 11 in Rawalpindi.