Shaheen Afridi makes controversial remarks when comparing captaining Pakistan to Lahore Qalandars

Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi has courted controversy over his comments on the captaincy. The 23-year-old is currently leading the Lahore Qalandars during the 2024 Pakistan Super League tournament. 

Advertisment

Lahore Qalandars have lost both their matches in the tournament. On Wednesday they will take on Multan Sultans in a must-win match to keep themselves in the tournament. 

Shaheen Afridi was appointed as the T20I skipper for Pakistan towards the end of 2023. In his very first assignment, the left-arm pacer saw his team lose to New Zealand away from home. With a huge T20 World Cup which is just 4 months away, the onus will be on Shaheen Afridi to rediscover his best form with the ball. 

‘Pakistan Captaincy Easier’ says Shaheen Shah Afridi 

Advertisment

Ahead of the huge game versus Multan Sultans on Wednesday, Shaheen Afridi has made a huge comment. According to the 23-year-old the Pakistan side is much easier compared to PSL. 

“If anything Pakistan cricket is slightly easier because the boys have played together. All through the domestic circuit as well. We can express ourselves in our native language and understand our role. In franchise cricket, you have players from overseas, and you work with different coaches. That can get tricky, but in Pakistan crickets, there’s greater familiarity,” said Shaheen Afridi to ESPN Cricinfo.

Haris Rauf has come under pressure for his performances in recent matches. The 30-year-old had recently seen his contract get terminated due to not playing Test cricket. Chatting to his home cricket board channel, the Pakistani defended his teammate. 

Advertisment

“Just like batsmen face tough times without scoring runs. bowlers also have such phases. Haris is going through a tough time, but after difficulties comes ease because he is a strong player and knows how to bounce back. He is not just Lahore Qalandars but also Pakistan’s best bowler. He needs to find his form again.”

Further during his chat with ESPN Cricinfo, Afridi said that he is still fit and young enough to bowl fast. Many experts pointed out that Shaheen Afridi was bowling way below his pace levels. This was evident during the Test against Australia where Afridi's pace was down. 

“There are a lot of slower balls, variations, and the like. I have never felt my pace has dipped. I know I can bowl 140 or 145. I'm still fit and young, just 23. I  don't understand this criticism. People say big players not coming here affects the league. But look at our local players. When they go to an overseas league, they're the biggest names in those leagues,” said Shaheen Afridi.