Shaheen Shah Afridi on Pakistan's 2022 T20 World Cup: If I didn't get injured, we could have won

Shaheen Shah Afridi on Pakistan’s 2022 T20 World Cup: If I didn’t get injured, we could have won

Pakistan left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi experienced a challenging year due to injuries, forcing him to play only 16 international matches in the past year.

Afridi’s injury saga began with a ligament injury in his right knee during a dive on the boundary in Galle during the Test match against Sri Lanka. Since then, he has faced multiple setbacks, including another injury to the same knee during the T20 World Cup final in 2022.

Despite concerns about a slight dip in his pace upon his return, Afridi remains optimistic and states that his knee is now fully recovered. He has taken significant wickets in recent matches, such as 19 in the PSL, six in T20Is and eight in ODIs against New Zealand.

Afridi told ESPNcricinfo that his knee is “back to 100 percent now”, adding, “Everyone has a view about it [the pace], but I’ve been feeling good. You look at yourself, even if you are bowling 110kmph and taking wickets, you’re feeling good. I took wickets. I gave 100 percent in the field, that matters more. Speed doesn’t matter as much but if there has been a dip, it will improve with time.

Reflecting on his injuries, Afridi acknowledges the impact they had on critical moments in his career. In the T20 World Cup final against England, he injured his knee while taking a crucial catch, preventing him from continuing to bowl. Afridi states that his presence could have changed the outcome as Pakistan lost the final.

“Obviously, it’s every player’s dream to win a World Cup for his country and I still remember 2021, how that ended,” Afridi said. “And in this tournament [2022], if I didn’t get injured at such a crucial moment, maybe we could’ve won. Maybe if I had stayed fit and bowled…” he trails off. “Injuries can happen at any time.”

Despite the setbacks, Afridi remains determined and driven to contribute to Pakistan’s success. He dreams of winning a World Cup for his country and hopes to avoid injuries that could hinder his performance. Afridi recognises that injuries are an inevitable part of the game but remains focused on improving and making a significant impact whenever he takes the field.

Afridi also reveals that he practised six-hitting with his father-in-law and former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi, saying that working with him was “really good”.

“Yeah there’s been an impact from that. Me and Lala [Shahid] were practising shots, about how to hit in the final overs, working on my bat swing a little. Nobody has the kind of experience he has in T20s and working with him was really good. I’ve learnt a lot,” Shaheen Afridi said.

Watch Live TV in English

Watch Live TV in Hindi