‘Shaheen Afridi is Nothing Without Swing’ – Ex-Pakistan Captain

Pakistan’s pace spearhead, Shaheen Afridi, has come under fire from former cricketer Salman Butt for his lack of effectiveness when swing bowling is unavailable.

This criticism follows Pakistan’s disappointing loss to the USA in the super over of their opening match at the T20 World Cup 2024.

Salman Butt, particularly critical of Shaheen Afridi’s wicketless performance, highlighted the pacer’s apparent inability to adapt to pitches that don’t offer swing.

During a discussion on the show Cricket Baithak, Butt expressed his frustration with Pakistan’s bowling attack, especially Shaheen Afridi.

“Pakistan’s bowling was very poor. There wasn’t a single bouncer bowled throughout the USA innings. Shaheen seems incapable of anything but bowling yorkers with the new ball. If he can’t swing it, he becomes ineffective,” Salman Butt remarked.

Butt further criticized the team’s overall energy and body language, describing them as lethargic and difficult to comprehend at this stage.

Pakistan set a target of 160 for the USA to chase. However, their bowling attack failed to restrict the American batters,who reached 159 for 3, levelling the score. The USA eventually emerged victorious in the super over, causing a major upset against the 2022 World Cup finalists.

When is India vs Pakistan?

Pakistan will face team India in their next encounter at Nassau County Cricket Stadium on 9 June at New York. It will be a must win match for the Babar Azam & Co. if they have to stay alive in the tournament.