Pakistan Cricket team head coach Gary Kirsten warned Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about the workload of star speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi ahead of the upcoming Test series against England. Shaheen is currently featuring in the Champions Cup where the star speedster representing Lions in the Champions One Day-Cup where he’s bowled 19.5 over so far and got five scalps at an average of 24.
The star speedster was recently benched for the second Test match of two Test match series against Bangladesh because of workload management. Pakistan are currently preparing for the upcoming three-Test match series against England where Shaheen will be the vital cog for Shan Masood-led side.
Commenting on Afridi’s workload, Kirsten noted that both he and Naseem have shouldered a significant burden for Pakistan across various formats and, as a result, should be given appropriate rest.
“Fast bowlers are always under immense pressure to deliver and win games. When we look at our key resources, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah have carried the bulk of the workload for Pakistan across all formats,” said Kirsten on commentary during the Champions Cup game.
“I saw a stat the other day that Shaheen has bowled three times more overs than any other fast bowler in the world over the last 18 months. That’s alarming – you’re bound to wear him down eventually,” he added.
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Afridi's bowling in the last 18 months
However, Kirsten’s assertion that Afridi has bowled the most overs among fast bowlers in the last 18 months is incorrect. Australia’s Mitchell Starc holds that position, having bowled 531.3 overs in international cricket since March 1, 2023. In comparison, Afridi ranks fourth among fast bowlers during the same period, with 455.1 overs.
During this period, the Pakistan speedster has taken the most wickets among fast bowlers, claiming 96 wickets from 54 innings at an average of 24.19. In Test cricket specifically, Afridi has played five matches over the last 18 months, bowled 191.2 overs, and taken just 15 wickets at an average of 40.81.
Shaheen will look to change Pakistan's fortunes in the upcoming Test series against England for their first Test victory at home since February 2021.
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