Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has dismissed any concerns about his workload, following comments from white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten. Kirsten had suggested that Shaheen's heavy bowling schedule across different formats could lead to workload issues and require proper rest. In response, Shaheen assured that there were no such concerns and even referred to the legendary Pakistan pace duo of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, who bowled significantly more overs during their careers.
"First of all, if you are saying that I have bowled the most in the world (among bowlers in Test cricket) that is three times more but if you look in the past, all our legends bowlers Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, at that time there was no workload issue. I don't know why have we made it such a big issue in the past one year that we have workload and players are getting injured,” said Shaheen on a Pakistan news channel.
Shaheen also said that cricketers themselves are responsible for maintaining their mental and physical fitness.
“I think it all depends on the individual how he treats each format. You will have to get mentally fit and strong that how will you react. If you react lazily then you will never be able to perform. If you ever go through a phase where you're unable to perform then your body also gives you message. At that time you need the support of your management and the closed ones. I don't know there's nothing like workload. There isn't much workload. I feel one should enjoy every format,” he further added.
Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad has denied rumors that Babar Azam will step down as captain of the Pakistan white-ball cricket team until the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The potential change in Pakistan's captaincy became a major topic of discussion in September, with reports suggesting that Babar's reign as white-ball skipper might be coming to an end. Initially, Mohammad Rizwan was seen as a likely successor to Babar in the limited-overs format. However, recent developments have indicated that Babar might continue to lead Pakistan in the limited over format.
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