Pakistan’s star pacer, Shaheen Afridi, is known for his ability to produce match-winning performances, but his recent struggles have sparked concerns, especially from his white-ball coach, Gary Kirsten. As Pakistan’s cricket team prepares for an intense schedule leading up to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Kirsten has highlighted a critical issue regarding Afridi’s workload and its potential impact on his career.
Growing Concerns Around Workload
Shaheen Afridi has been at the forefront of Pakistan’s bowling attack across all formats for several years. However, Kirsten, who has been closely observing the bowler, expressed worries about the number of overs Afridi has bowled in recent times. According to Kirsten, Afridi has delivered significantly more overs than any other fast bowler globally in the last 18 months. Kirsten warned that this heavy workload could lead to fatigue or injury, potentially shortening the 24-year-old’s career.
Afridi’s pace, which once consistently hovered around 145-150 kph, has seen a noticeable dip. Kirsten pointed out that this could be an early indicator of the toll the workload is taking on Afridi’s body. A similar sentiment was shared by former Pakistan greats like Waqar Younis, who questioned the management’s decision to push Afridi through continuous matches without adequate rest. Waqar stressed that if Afridi continues at this pace, it would eventually reduce him to a medium-pacer.
The Drop in Form and Fitness
Afridi’s dip in form became more apparent during Pakistan’s recent tours and matches. Kirsten remarked that Afridi’s decreased pace could stem from fitness issues. Injuries have already plagued the left-arm pacer, most notably his knee injury that sidelined him during critical phases of Pakistan’s 2022 and 2023 seasons. Since then, Afridi has struggled to maintain the same intensity he once brought to the field.
Adding to the challenges, Afridi’s workload extends beyond international cricket. His involvement in various T20 leagues, such as the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and global franchise tournaments, further contributes to the strain on his body. Since 2021, Afridi has bowled over 1,060 overs across formats, the fifth-highest for a fast bowler during this period, making his situation increasingly precarious.
Pakistan’s Upcoming Schedule: A Tough Road Ahead
Pakistan’s cricket calendar shows no signs of slowing down. The team is set to face several high-stakes series, including Tests against England, South Africa, and the West Indies, along with ODI and T20I matches against Australia and Zimbabwe. Shaheen, being one of Pakistan’s key players, is expected to play a significant role in these matches. This packed schedule could further aggravate his fitness concerns if the management fails to prioritize his rest and recovery.
Despite the workload issues, Afridi remains integral to Pakistan’s ambitions, particularly in the lead-up to the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. His ability to swing the new ball and deliver consistent breakthroughs in the powerplay overs has been crucial to Pakistan’s success. Kirsten acknowledged this but emphasized the need for better management to prevent long-term damage to Afridi’s career.
Future Management of Afridi’s Career
To preserve Afridi’s long-term potential, it has become clear that Pakistan’s coaching staff and medical team must closely monitor his fitness and workload. Kirsten suggested a rotation policy that would allow Afridi to take regular breaks, particularly from less critical series, to ensure he can perform at his peak in major tournaments. This approach, though common in modern cricket, has yet to be fully embraced by the Pakistan management team.
Afridi’s fellow pacer, Naseem Shah, has faced similar challenges, having suffered a shoulder injury in 2023 that forced him to miss key matches, including the ODI World Cup. Kirsten is now advocating for better workload management across the board for all fast bowlers, particularly given the physically demanding nature of their role.
Conclusion
Shaheen Afridi’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric, but with that rise comes the need for careful management. While his performances continue to inspire fans, the growing concerns surrounding his workload and fitness highlight the delicate balance between success and longevity in modern cricket. For Pakistan to continue reaping the benefits of Afridi’s immense talent, immediate steps must be taken to manage his workload effectively, ensuring that he remains at the top of his game for years to come.