Shaheen Afridi lends his ear to Veteran Shahid Afridi For Useful Tips leading upto Pak vs Ind Match
Former Pakistani captain and all-rounder Shahid Afridi has offered some important advice to fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, urging the left-hander to adapt his bowling strategy to the pitch conditions as international cricket continues to evolve.
In a private television interview, Shahid Afridi said that Shaheen Afridi needs to focus on reading the pitch rather than relying solely on early breakthroughs with the new ball.
“Shaheen is no longer a young bowler,” Afridi said. “He has experience now and at this stage of his career, he should bowl by understanding the pitch, not just by looking for wickets in the first two overs.”
The former Pakistani captain emphasized that the line, length, and pressure should be central to Shaheen Afridi’s approach, especially on batting-friendly pitches, which dominate modern white-ball cricket.
Afridi explained that instead of chasing swings or miracle bowls early on, Shaheen should first work on controlling the run flow and unsettling the batsmen before attempting to take wickets.
“In today’s cricket, most pitches favor the batsmen,” Afridi said. “A fast bowler needs to rely on planning, skill, and consistency. Matches aren’t decided in the first two overs alone.”
Shahid Afridi pointed to Pakistan’s recent run against Australia as an example of Shaheen Afridi’s growing tactical maturity.
He highlighted how the left-hander used variation and patience to outsmart the batsmen rather than pressuring them.
“Shaheen has shown great intelligence in this series,” said Afridi. “He bowled some balls well outside the stump, letting the batsman get comfortable, and then suddenly brought one back to take the wicket. Those are the skills he needs to keep demonstrating.”
According to Afridi, it is this consistency in intelligent execution that sets Shaheen Afridi apart from other fast bowlers in international cricket.
The former captain also emphasized that bowlers must evolve with the changing demands of the game. With flatter pitches, heavier bats, and more aggressive batting techniques, fast bowlers, according to Afridi, need to think beyond mere speed and early swing.
“A match is played over 20 or 50 overs, not just at the beginning,” said Afridi. “You have to create opportunities to take wickets throughout the entire match. That’s only possible if you read the pitch, understand the batsman, and execute your plans.”
