[Watch] 'Shaheen Admitted He Didn't Bowl Well': Shahid Afridi Speaks

image-lno8rltcShaheen has had a poor WC 2023 so far [AP Photo]

Shahid Afridi revealed having a timely chat with leading Pakistan fast-bowler Shaheen Afridi after the speedster had another indifferent outing at the ICC World Cup 2023 on Tuesday (October 10). The former skipper and allrounder talked to the seamer after he struggled for form and rhythm again during his spell against Sri Lanka in Hyderabad. 

Hailed among the brightest young talents of the world, Shaheen failed to provide Pakistan early breakthroughs and faltered with the old ball in the end-overs stage during the Hyderabad leg of Pakistan's tournament campaign. 

Known for his ability to move it both ways, the 23-year-old ended with unsatisfying figures of 1/37 off his 7 overs against the Netherlands and endured a brittle outing in the match versus the Lankan Lions to finish with 1 for 66 off his 9 overs. 

That Pakistan could still win on consecutive occasions without their best pacer rising up to the task would be a huge confidence booster for Babar Azam & company. However, Shaheen's form will be a major headache for the team management ahead of the high-voltage clash with India in Ahmedabad on Saturday (October 14). 

Afridi's Timely Pep Talk With Struggling Shaheen Afridi 

Speaking to a Pakistan-based 'ARY News' channel, Afridi unveiled taking time out to call Shaheen after his lacklustre performance against Sri Lanka and urging him to return to basics with his bowling.

"Since I tend to cheer up the contemporary players and congratulate them for their performances after each Pakistan game, I thought I must get in touch with Shaheen. I told him to sit back, relax and take out his clips with the video analyst and identify what is going wrong," Afridi said.


"He admitted on the phone that he isn't bowling that well, which is a good thing for a youngster to realise his mistakes on time. He has given too much room to the batters and not bowled the hard lengths to cut down their big shots."

"So he told me that for the next 2-3 days he will be working closely with the bowling coach and rest of the support staff before the big match against India. The focus will be on returning to the hard lengths and I expect him to perform well against India," he added. 

Shaheen will be next seen in action, when Pakistan will collide against arch-rivals, India on October 14.