Pakistan

Are you ready to watch Shahid Afridi playing cricket again?

by
Zainab Shafiq
May 20, 2023

Table of Contents

Shahid Afridi to play for Pakistan in the Over-40 World Cup, with Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq joining the team.
Afridi ranks Babar Azam’s cover drive as the best in the world, followed by Virat Kohli and Steve Smith.
Afridi supports the management team’s decisions and believes experiments are essential before the World Cup.

Former all-rounder Shahid Afridi has been selected to represent Pakistan in the upcoming Over-40 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Karachi from September 23 to October 8 this year. This decision was made during a meeting attended by Fawad Ijaz Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association, Shahid Afridi, Nadeem Omar, Director of PVCA, and Zafar Malik, CEO of the Shahid Afridi Foundation.

Additionally, the Shahid Afridi Foundation will act as the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partner for the World Cup, which will feature eight teams, including Australia, Canada, USA, UAE, Hong Kong, and Saudi Arabia. Former captains Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq will also be joining Afridi to represent Pakistan in the tournament.

Shahid Afridi advises Babar Azam to follow Mickey Arthur’s advice

In a recent interview, Afridi praised Pakistan captain Babar Azam’s cover drive, ranking it as the best in the world. When asked to compare Azam’s cover drive to those of Australian batter Steve Smith and Indian star Virat Kohli, Afridi responded, “Babar Azam, Virat [Kohli], and then [Steve] Smith.” He further commended Azam for following the guidance of Pakistan team’s director, Mickey Arthur.

Reflecting on Pakistan’s recent success, Afridi expressed his support for the management team’s decisions, highlighting the importance of giving players opportunities and conducting experiments ahead of the World Cup. Afridi emphasized the unity among the management, coaches, and captain, stating that they are all on the same page.

Mickey Arthur, who previously coached Pakistan from 2016 to 2019, has rejoined the team as part of the coaching staff for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, the tour to Australia, and the home series against the West Indies. Arthur played a crucial role in Pakistan’s rise to the number one spot in Tests and T20Is and guided them to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017.

In his statement, Arthur expressed his enthusiasm about rejoining the Pakistan cricket team and spoke highly of the players’ talent and potential across all formats. He aims to implement strategies and create an environment that will enhance their performances and help the team reach new heights.