Shaheen Afridi: Pakistan on the Verge of T20 World Cup Glory
Shaheen Afridi, the left-arm speedster, is optimistic about Pakistan’s chances of clinching their second Men’s T20 World Cup title.
In an interview with the PCB Podcast, Afridi expressed his belief that Pakistan is on the brink of success, following their near victories in the 2021 and 2022 editions of the tournament.
“The hard work we’ve put in is bound to yield results. Just like Lahore Qalandars, who after six years of relentless effort in the PSL, managed to win back-to-back tournaments recently. The Pakistan team is on a similar trajectory, inching closer to T20 World Cup glory,” Afridi stated.
Afridi reflected on the previous two tournaments where Pakistan performed well but stumbled in the final stages. He played a pivotal role in both contests, with his absence due to a knee injury in the 2022 final against England being particularly felt as Pakistan fell short of a bowler.
“The pain of coming so close and yet losing the World Cup is immense. Both events were heartbreaking. In the second event, I was unable to contribute due to my injury. Despite my best efforts to return to the field, I was not allowed,” he lamented.
However, Afridi is confident that Pakistan is prepared to overcome past disappointments. He emphasized the importance of unity and shared goals within the team.
“Our focus during the World Cup is to play as a united team. This is not a time for disagreements. Everyone should follow the same process in a united way to achieve a singular goal,” he said.
He also shared the advice given by newly appointed white-ball coach Gary Kirsten, emphasizing the importance of playing for the team over individual performances.
Pakistan Appoints World Cup-Winning Coach for White-Ball Team
Afridi fondly recalled Pakistan’s historic maiden T20 World Cup win against India in 2021, where he played a crucial role. He revealed that he had sought advice from Pakistan legend Shahid Afridi before the game.
“I reached out to Lala (Shahid Afridi) as his performance against India has always been exceptional. He advised me to stay calm, give my best, and make my presence felt on the field in all departments: bowling, batting, and fielding. We followed his advice and achieved success,” he said.
Afridi also discussed his three crucial wickets of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli, which he believes turned the game in Pakistan’s favor.
“Taking the first three wickets against any side can break their momentum. My aim is always to attack more with the new ball, as early wickets can unsettle the openers and make it easier for our bowlers,” he explained.
After their defeat to Pakistan in 2021, India bounced back in 2022 with a brilliant 82* from Kohli. The two sides are set to clash again in the 2024 event on June 9 in New York.