Shaheen says pace hasn’t dropped, working hard to get to full fitness
After a three-month injury hiatus, Pakistan’s standout fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi feels his speed hasn’t suffered.
After suffering a knee injury during a Test match against Sri Lanka in June, the national team’s management secured Shaheen’s availability for the upcoming T20 World Cup, but the left-armer, who is typically a nightmare for batsmen, has been far from his best in the showcase thus far.
Glad to be back 😇🇵🇰
Alhumdulillah! pic.twitter.com/4D18vN19Ts— Shaheen Shah Afridi (@iShaheenAfridi) October 19, 2022
His single wicket in the tournament came against the Netherlands in Pakistan’s third encounter, following poor performances in defeats against India and Zimbabwe.
“It’s not easy to come back from such an injury after three months,” Shaheen told reporters following Sunday’s match against the Netherlands.
“I’m trying to give it my all. I believe my speed was comparable previously as well. The average speed was approximately 135-140 kph. I’m working hard to regain full fitness.
“Match fitness is unique. When you return after three months, it is tough to give your all.”
Shaheen stated that his time away from cricket in England, where he received rehabilitation, had its toll on him and that it was difficult for the 22-year-old to deal with a circumstance that was a first in his five-year international career.
“May God never put anyone through this injury, but those who suffer from it definitely understand how painful it is,” he remarked.
“I was alone in England for two or three months. I couldn’t even walk properly for the first two months because the swelling was so bad. I just went to the gym.”
Shaheen, the ICC Cricketer of the Year for 2021, says bowling in England’s indoor nets helped him prepare for the harsh playing conditions in Australia.
“I bowled indoors for the previous two weeks, so I’m somewhat prepared to run on these surfaces,” he explained.
“Because the summer was finished, there were no outdoor pitches available, so I had to bowl indoors.”
The Pakistan speed spearhead, on the other hand, expressed relief at finally reaching the squad ahead of the T20 World Cup, noting that he was aided by team-mates and friends.
“I’ve never had such an extended injury layoff before,” he explained.
“Of course, your teammates and friends support and admire you. My goal was to play in the World Cup, and thanks to God, I was able to do so.”
Pakistan’s realistic hopes of reaching the World Cup semi-finals have already passed, and only miraculous results in the remaining Group 2 matches can save them from a first-round exit.
Shaheen said Pakistan lost two tight games against India and Zimbabwe, but he thought the Babar Azam-led team may perform better in their remaining matches against Bangladesh and South Africa.
“We lost two close matches, but as a team, we know we’re better than that,” the pacer added.
“We dominated both two matches for lengthy stretches at the same time. They are now history. We’re simply staying together and doing our best. See, we can only control what we have in our hands. So we’re not thinking about the other games. We shall make it if it is in our destiny. We’ll do our best in the remaining matches.”
