'Shaheen Afridi is a big asset, but ego is missing from him'

 

India and Pakistan are set to clash once again in the Super-4 stage of Asia Cup 2023. In this match too, the Indian batsmen will have the challenge of dealing with the Pakistani bowlers and it will be interesting to see how the Indian batsmen, especially Shaheen Shah Afridi, play. Before this big match between India and Pakistan, former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has given an interesting statement about Shaheen Afridi.

Before this big match, Shoaib talked about many aspects in a recent interview. Amid the conversation, the former fast bowler praised Shaheen's performance but Akhtar said he wished Afridi had a little more 'arrogance'. Shoaib Akhtar, speaking on the 'Wake Up with Sorabh' YouTube channel, said, “Shaheen Afridi is a great asset for Pakistan. But you know the ego is missing in him (laughs). That is all. I mean even if I am bowling at less than 135 kmph, I will curse 145 kmph! So he is missing.

Speaking further, Shoaib said, "Kick a little here and there. What will happen? The least that can happen is that you will be fined. Let the fine be imposed. Give a rugby tackle. Nothing will happen (laughs). Just keep a little fire in cricket. Fights happen in every game, but so many etiquettes in cricket, I don't like it."

How much Shaheen Afridi believes in Shoaib Akhtar's statement will be known only in the upcoming match but it is certain that Indian batsmen will not want to give wickets to Shaheen Afridi. It is noteworthy that Shaheen had destroyed the batting order during the first encounter against Team India in the group stage. The fast bowler had taken important wickets of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja and conceded only 35 runs in his 10 overs, which included two maiden overs. So far in the Asia Cup, Shaheen Afridi has taken seven wickets in three matches. And is one of the highest wicket taker bowlers in the current tournament.