Shaheen Shah Afridi, newest pace sensation from Pakistan, has impressed everyone with his skills in the ongoing Asia Cup 2018 after making an impact in the Pakistan Super League and 2017 U19 World Cup.
Following his brilliant show in the PSL and World Cup, where he finished as the most successful bowler with 11 scalps, Afridi got a call for the senior team, making his debut in April 2018 against West Indies.
Recently, Shaheen, who hails from Landi Kotal, a town in Khyber Agency, spoke about his cricketing journey from a humble town to international cricket.
Shaheen told Khaleej Times on Thursday (September 27), “Since my brother Riaz Afridi had represented Pakistan in Test cricket in 2004, I wanted to follow him and go a little further. He (Riaz) has been an inspiration for me to reach this level. He helped me develop as a bowler and I always keep in touch with him even when I am playing abroad.”
The 18-year-old, who is the youngest of seven brothers and most of them played cricket at some level, revealed how to get him a passion for cricket. He went on to explain, “My elder brother was playing for our school (Khyber Model School) in Landi Kotal and I was eager to join him but I was too young at that time. I used to force him to play cricket with me on holiday (Friday).
The pacer added, “Then the time came, I joined my brother in the school team and I was made captain later. Our team won the school tournament which opened the doors for me. I came to Peshawar, got selected for FATA team after the trials and performed at domestic level. It really changed the whole scenario and everybody was convinced that I had the potential to represent the national team. Soon I was selected for the under 16 team and toured Australia. It was a great learning experience for me.”
Meanwhile, the lanky pacer thanked his regional coach Saqib Faqeer for developing him as a bowler, adding: “I owe a lot to Saqib Faqeer for helping me develop as a bowler. During the under 16 camp, the coaches used to arrange some special sessions for me to hone my skills. Then I joined the National Cricket Academy at Gaddafi Stadium and former Pakistan leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed was a great help for me. After joining Lahore Qalandars, it was Aaqib Javed who taught me professionalism. All these people played a big role in my development as a player.”
On comparisons with Australian left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc, Shaheen said, “Starc is the best fast bowler in the world right now in my opinion. Yes, lot of people compares my bowling style with his since both of us are left-handers. Of course, I follow him but I have my own style and identity!”
He also wants to emulate the legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram, though admitting that it is tough. Furthermore, he said that he wants to get as close to the duo in terms of their exploits in international cricket.
Shaheen signed off by saying, “Wasim Bhai is a legend and since childhood I wanted to follow him. It is impossible to be like him but I wish to follow in his footsteps. Waqar Younis is another bowler who is close to my heart and I hope to do what they have done for Pakistan.”
