“At that time, there was no workload issue” – Shaheen Afridi unfazed by workload management, cites example of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis’ era
Pakistan ace pacer Shaheen Afridi believes that there is no need for workload management, adding that it completely depends on individual players. The left-arm pacer said that the workload doesn’t take a toll on him, citing the example of Pakistani legends Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis from the 90s.
The speedster reckoned that mental fitness holds the key to success while playing back-to-back series. Interestingly, there was no T20 or franchise cricket during Akram and Waqar-era.
Afridi’s reaction comes ahead of the three-match home Test series against England, which will be played next month.
Since 2021, Shaheen Afridi has played 18 Tests, bowling 609 overs and picking up 76 wickets.
Speaking about being rested for the third Test in Australia earlier this year, Afridi told Samaa TV:
“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.
“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 added:
“If you feel lazy, you cannot perform anytime. I know there is a time when you cannot perform anymore where you try but your body reacts similarly. You try to release it differently and come up with (new) techniques, similarly with batting but it takes time to overcome that.
“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.”
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Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has slammed Shaheen Afridi for his drop in pace. He said (via sportingnews.com):
"How can Shaheen’s speed decrease? In 2022, he was bowling at 144 kph. If Shoaib Akhtar bowled at 120 kph, would anyone have watched him? After six months, he would come back and bowl at 150 kph. How have the current bowlers dropped to 130?"
“Shaheen has bowled three times more overs than any fast bowler in the world” – Gary Kirsten on Shaheen Afridi
Pakistan’s white-ball coach Gary Kirsten recently warned the selectors and team management about Shaheen Afridi’s workload management. The 2011 World Cup-winning coach said (via cricketpakistan.com):
"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."
Shaheen Afridi is currently playing in Pakistan’s Champions One-Day Cup 2024. The Men in Green would hope the speedster will be available for all three Tests against England in October.