Pakistan’s star fast bowler and Lahore Qalandars captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, has put to rest speculation about his future in cricket, stating firmly that he has no plans to quit any format. “As long as I’m breathing, I’ll play all formats,” Afridi said in a media interaction, underscoring his commitment to the sport.
Afridi’s resolve comes amid discussions about workload management for fast bowlers, with some experts cautioning against the risks of injury and burnout. However, the pacer believes that mental fitness and adaptability are key to longevity in the game, rather than just limiting overs bowled. He drew parallels with legendary Pakistani pacers Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, who didn’t have workload concerns during their playing days ¹.
The 24-year-old fast bowler praised teammate Sikandar Raza for his match-winning performance, describing his entry into the game as “like a movie scene.” Afridi highlighted the importance of team environment and support, saying, “The players believed in themselves. The team environment was key, we supported each other, and that’s what matters.”
Afridi’s commitment to cricket is evident in his recent performances, including his rise to the top spot in the ICC ODI rankings for bowlers. With his confident assertion, “I will not change. I’m Shaheen and will remain so. My performance speaks for itself,” Afridi has sent a strong message about his dedication to the sport