Shaheen Afridi rejects workload concerns

The lanky pacer cites examples of non-stop cricket from legendary pacers Wasim and Waqar

Pakistan's left-arm pacer, Shaheen Shah Afridi, has voiced his thoughts on the modern-day issue of workload management for fast bowlers, downplaying its significance compared to previous generations of cricket.

In an interview with a local news outlet, Afridi referenced legendary Pakistani pacers Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis when addressing concerns about his bowling workload in Test cricket.

"First of all, if you are saying that I have bowled the most in the world (among bowlers in Test cricket)… but if you look in the past, all our legends bowlers Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, at that time there was no workload issue," Afridi said.

The former captain expressed surprise at the emphasis placed on the workload of fast bowlers in recent times. He argued that the key to longevity and performance lies in mental fitness and adaptability rather than limiting overs bowled.

"I don't know why we have made it a big topic over the last one year that there is workload, players are getting injured. We are considering it more important. It depends individually on the players, how they play in particular formats. You need to be mentally fit and strong on how to react in different circumstances," he said.

The 24-year-old emphasized that when a fast bowler feels their body reacting differently, developing new techniques to cope with the pressure is crucial. He called for a positive mindset, stating that players should enjoy the game regardless of format.

"It's a small period where you need support from the management and close ones, who need to give you positive messages. I don't know about the workload, it isn't that much but I feel that everyone should enjoy regardless of the format," he said. Afridi's workload has been under scrutiny recently, especially after Pakistan's white-ball head coach, Gary Kirsten, raised concerns about the number of overs the pacer has bowled. Kirsten remarked that Afridi had bowled three times more overs than any other fast bowler worldwide over the last 18 months, warning that this could eventually wear him down.

Shaheen being made scapegoat: Shehzad

Ex-opener Ahmed Shehzad has voiced his concerns over the treatment of national team's left-arm pacer, Shaheen Afridi, suggesting a troubling trend of scapegoating within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

While speaking on his YouTube channel, Shehzad expressed his frustrations regarding how Afridi is often blamed for the team's shortcomings, stating, "Like always, the Pakistan Cricket Board has decided to make Shaheen Shah Afridi the scapegoat this time. Briefings have taken place, and in the coming times, you will see Shaheen on and off the team.

"The reason given will be that he has bowled the most, he has bowled a lot of overs, he is facing workload issues, he has injuries, and family reasons."