Shaheen Afridi Endures Disappointing Big Bash League Debut

SYDNEY: Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi had a disappointing start to his Big Bash League (BBL) campaign as his debut match turned into a forgettable outing.

Playing for Brisbane Heat, Shaheen struggled to find rhythm and control with the ball. He bowled 2.4 overs without taking a wicket and conceded 43 runs at a high economy rate. His spell was cut short after he bowled two shoulder-high full tosses in an over, prompting the on-field umpires to stop him from bowling any further in the match.

The performance came as a surprise for fans, as Shaheen is widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s premier fast bowlers and was expected to make an immediate impact in Australian conditions.

Prior to his BBL debut, Shaheen had spoken about the challenges faced by fast bowlers in Pakistan. In a podcast discussion, he highlighted a long-standing issue, saying that pitches in Pakistan are generally not very supportive for fast bowlers. He had expressed optimism that Australian wickets, known for their pace and bounce, would offer him better assistance compared to conditions back home.

Read more:Shaheen Afridi Says Flat Pitches in Pakistan Limit Fast Bowlers

Shaheen had also stated his desire to adapt his bowling according to local conditions in Australia. He believed that his experience of bowling against top-class batters such as Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan would help him perform better in competitive leagues like the Big Bash.

However, his first appearance did not go as planned, raising questions about his adjustment to the conditions and match intensity. Despite the setback, cricket experts believe it is too early to judge his BBL stint, as fast bowlers often need time to settle into new environments.

Brisbane Heat and Shaheen Afridi will be hoping for a strong comeback in the upcoming matches, as the left-arm pacer looks to regain form and prove his value in one of the world’s most competitive T20 leagues.