This once fiery pacer, who used to hit 145 km/h with ease, now seems to strain just to reach 136. The concern isn’t just his reduced pace—his signature swing has faded too. These days, he only seems to get wickets if a batsman decides to take him on, and even tailenders are giving him trouble.

Shaheen Afridi’s Decline in Pace and Swing: A Closer Look

There’s a growing sense that Shaheen Afridi has drifted from his roots, letting fame and off-field distractions impact his game. He once showed immense promise, consistently hitting 145 km/h, but now, his pace has dropped, and he lacks the sharpness and swing that made him dangerous. Here’s a glimpse into what might have led to this downturn:

Fitness Challenges and Overuse

In 2021, Shaheen Afridi could consistently bowl at speeds exceeding 150 km/h, often combining that pace with lethal swing. However, since then, he has struggled to even maintain a steady 130 km/h, possibly due to lingering injuries and fear of further aggravation. He was dealing with a knee injury, and while he undoubtedly wants to continue earning, it seems the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) pushed him too hard without allowing proper rehabilitation. This overuse between 2020 and 2024 has left him far from his best form.

young man’s career is important than world cup – – once a legend said

Mismanagement from the PCB also exacerbated the issue, as Shaheen was thrown into all formats and T20 leagues globally. For instance, he played in the 2021 World Cup while still nursing an injury and then re-injured himself attempting a diving catch. A significant knee surgery and lack of full recovery before returning to the field have severely impacted his mechanics, leading to a compromised run-up, a less powerful arm, and a loss of rhythm. His recent performances seem to indicate that he was never able to rebuild the muscle strength essential for consistent pace.

Playing Through Injuries: Shaheen seems to have been constantly pushing through injuries, which has compromised his ability to bowl at full strength. Even during the 2022 World Cup, he was not at 100%, yet still played, reportedly due to internal pressures.

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Skillset Limitations and Technical Gaps: Shaheen’s primary weapon has always been his inswing, and although effective in ideal conditions, it has become somewhat predictable. With his recent drop in pace, batsmen have started reading him more easily, especially on pitches less conducive to swing. Unlike players like Wasim, Waqar, and Shoaib, who evolved with the game and added new skills, Shaheen seems stuck in a one-dimensional approach. A revamped training plan focusing on variation and fitness is essential if he’s to recapture his former glory.

Political Distractions and Ambitions Beyond Bowling

Reports suggest that Shaheen’s ambition has shifted toward all-rounder status and, potentially, team captaincy. While there’s no harm in wanting to expand one’s skill set, this shift seems to have taken precedence over honing his primary skills. Influenced by his father-in-law Shahid Afridi, he appears to be more involved in internal team politics, perhaps distracted by non-bowling ambitions. This has detracted from his focus on the basics of his craft.

Politics of Shahid Afridi

Off-field Distractions and Politics: His growing ambition for a leadership role appears to have led to some questionable decisions and statements, not to mention involvement in team politics. His father-in-law, Shahid Afridi, is said to have a significant influence on him, which, rather than helping, seems to be adding unnecessary pressure.

Arrogance, Greed, and League Distractions

In recent years, his involvement in various international leagues and endorsements has raised questions about his commitment. While playing in leagues can enhance a player’s experience, his involvement appears to have been at the expense of his national performance. Without the hunger that drives sustained performance, Shaheen’s form has waned, his pace declining alongside his intensity.

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Social Media Fame and External Pressures

Shaheen’s social media presence has fed an image of him as a superstar, which could be contributing to his complacency. Some fans worry that his focus has shifted from improving his game to maintaining his social image, sidelining his training and fitness. His approach echoes issues seen with other players, who, instead of refining their form, were carried by early hype.

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