(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Shaheen Afridi Showing Signs of Comeback, Says Pakistan Bowling Coach
Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi is gradually finding his rhythm again, according to national bowling coach Ashley Noffke. The seasoned pacer, widely regarded as Pakistan’s premier fast bowler, had faced challenges following a knee injury in 2023, but recent performances suggest he is regaining form.
After a stellar Pakistan Super League (PSL) season, Shaheen faced a rare setback when he was left out of consecutive T20I series against Bangladesh. Head coach Mike Hesson had highlighted areas for improvement in his bowling. The 25-year-old responded positively, taking six wickets in Pakistan’s white-ball series against the West Indies, which secured his place for the upcoming tri-series in the UAE and the 2025 Asia Cup.
Speaking after Pakistan’s training session in Dubai, Noffke explained that Shaheen’s pace had dipped post-injury, but signs of recovery are encouraging. “He knows his speed dipped after the injury, and recovery takes time. But against the West Indies, we saw more balls in the 140s again. That’s a very good sign,” Noffke said.
Once consistently hitting mid-140s kph, Shaheen’s average speed had dropped to around 134.5 kph, with only 4% of deliveries reaching 140 kph this year. However, Noffke is confident that the bowler’s dedication and focused training will help him regain his top pace.
The Australian coach also emphasized that Shaheen still has room to grow. “You can assume he’s a threat, and he is a threat. His numbers speak for themselves,” Noffke noted. “But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have things to work on if he wants to become the superstar he’s aiming to be.”
Much of the focus is now on restoring Shaheen’s swing, a key weapon in his arsenal. “He’s very dangerous when the ball comes back in. We want him to make swing, both ways, a real weapon again,” Noffke added.
Shaheen Afridi will be vital for Pakistan in the upcoming tri-series and Asia Cup. His first test of form begins against Afghanistan on Friday in Sharjah. If he can showcase glimpses of his peak performance, Pakistan will head into the Asia Cup with renewed confidence.
