Shaheen Shah Afridi signed-up by Notts Outlaws for the duration of the 2023 Vitality Blast

[Concerned]

Shaheen has played a dozen of games since his injury yet people still think he’s in rehabilitation stage.

If his pace remains down I rather he calls it a day.

 

[zarak]

An ordinary bowler once his first over is done and when there is no left hander to face up

you mean right hander.

 

[Titan24]

Shaheen has played a dozen of games since his injury yet people still think he’s in rehabilitation stage.

If his pace remains down I rather he calls it a day.

While average pace overall might be down bit he was still going well into 140s on multiple occasions. Also who calls it a quit at the age of 23 lol.

He is a kind of bowler who relies a lot on game time and rhythm. If you remember early stage of WC 19 and series before it, he was struggling to create impact and had some pain in his left elbow. Once he was in rhythm he looked completely different bowler. Same thing happened post dengue when he had to travel to Australia and couldn't perform upto his potential in 2 test matches he played their.

Injuries, rehabs, form, rhythm etc. are huge part of any sport. They are humans after all, not machines and pace bowling requires most out of your body in cricket.

 

[zarak]

Shaheen has played a dozen of games since his injury yet people still think he’s in rehabilitation stage.

If his pace remains down I rather he calls it a day.

towards the end of the NZ series he was more 138-141. Which is good for his type of bowler. He needs to be 138ish with a really quick effort ball.

 

[Firebat]

A couple of wickets for Shaheen today but an expensive outing - 2/37 when the opposition only scored 142.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Three fabulous Mattie McKiernan shots against Shaheen Shah Afridi &#55357;&#56490; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blast23?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Blast23</a> <a href="https://t.co/ubNsdfl1W8">pic.twitter.com/ubNsdfl1W8</a></p>— Vitality Blast (@VitalityBlast) <a href="https://twitter.com/VitalityBlast/status/1667241082260684800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Firebat]

Good battle between Shaheen and Zaman - 6 and out.

<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 58.333%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/e/r33hw6" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div>

 

[Saj]

He's scoring some useful runs down the order at a strike rate of 191.

Now has 13 wickets in the tournament.

Turning out to be a very good signing.

 

[Nasirz]

only first two overs were good , was awfull in last over bowling lenght balls at back end of innings

 

[MenInG]

Known affectionately by his fans as The Eagle, the in-demand Shaheen Shah Afridi had little reservations when asked to play for Notts Outlaws in the ongoing Vitality Blast competition, “Nottinghamshire is a well-known and huge club. They’ve won the Blast tournament twice in their history, so I know they are a club who aren’t in tournaments just to make up the numbers, they are in tournaments to win them. So, when this opportunity arose to play for them, I didn’t have to think too hard to sign on the dotted line.”

For Afridi, a chance to play in England is not only about contributing as an overseas player, but also a huge learning opportunity, as well as a chance to pass on his skills and experience to the younger players at Nottinghamshire.

“As an overseas player it’s about taking away what you have learnt from tournaments like the Blast and making the most of those learnings. If I don’t take the dressing room environment, the positive approach of teams like Nottinghamshire back with me to Pakistan, then I’m not doing myself justice. But, it’s a two-way process and I’m also here to pass on my knowledge and skills to the younger guys at Nottinghamshire, as and when they require me to.”

For their part, the Outlaws fans have already seen that they can expect nothing but the best from Pakistan’s pace spearhead in this year’s Vitality Blast.

“It doesn’t matter whether I am playing for my country or in domestic tournaments around the world, in my mind it’s about improving and not being complacent. Nottinghamshire have obviously seen something in me to sign me, so my focus is to be at the top of my game without fail. They are expecting big things from me this season and I must perform match after match. There are no two ways about it, expectations are high and my performances need to match those expectations.”

The 6 foot 6” pacer was side-lined for 5 months between November last year and April of this year due to a knee injury. Whilst fans have vented their frustration and concern at his decision to play in Twenty20 Leagues and all three formats for his country, Shaheen feels that his fitness issues have been down to bad luck rather than an excessive workload.

“I feel that injuries are part and parcel of cricket. I know people will say that I shouldn’t be playing in Twenty20 tournaments as I run the risk of getting injured, as I play all three formats for Pakistan. However, my injuries haven’t arisen when bowling, rather they’ve occurred when fielding. So, my point is that I just want to enjoy my cricket and whatever the format is, just give my all for whoever I am representing and not get too worked-up or worried about the risk of injuries.”

Having led Lahore Qalandars in becoming the first side to successive Pakistan Super League titles, Afridi already has a proven track-record as captain and feels that simplicity and fairness in his leadership is the key to success.

“Captaincy is an art, but my philosophy is to keep it simple. You take everyone along with you on the journey and ensure that nobody gets upset and ensure you are all on a course to success. You need to avoid situations where groupings occur and avoid differentiating between seniors and juniors and instead treat everyone the same. As a fast-bowler I think you are in a good position to lead the side. Take the example of Pakistan, where most of our best captains over the years have been pace-bowlers.”

With the Asia Cup and World Cup tournaments scheduled for later this year, Shaheen feels that it’s an exciting period for his development and an ideal time to enhance his growing reputation.

“It's a big year for Pakistan, we have high-profile white-ball tournaments like the Asia Cup and the World Cup, so it’s an exciting time. I think the aim must be to win both tournaments and there is no better feeling than going overseas and winning tournaments such as the World Cup. There would be no better feeling than winning the World Cup in India. Our matches are few and far against India, so that makes them extra special, tough and with a lot of hype and makes them even more important. A lot hinges on those matches and they are always special to be a part of.”

The recent return of Mickey Arthur to the Pakistan cricket fold has reignited hopes of consistency and success. Afridi, like so many of his team-mates is looking forward to renewing his relationship with the new Team Director who is also the Head Coach at Derbyshire.

“Mickey Arthur’s in touch. I saw him when we played against Derbyshire in my first match of this season’s Blast. I’m sure he’s keeping an eye on how I am doing. We all know that Mickey was successful in his first stint as Coach and it’s clear what he can do for Pakistan cricket. As a Coach he has that quality where he can really prepare players for the big tournaments and can make the Pakistan team fight hard even when things aren’t going according to plan.”

At just 23 years of age, Afridi has already tasted extraordinary success on the domestic and international stage. A growing reputation, the sky is the limit for his ambitions as he looks forward to many more years of association with the game he loves, “I’m a pretty level-headed guy. I’ve been playing international cricket for 5 years now and at times it’s hard to believe that, as it has gone so fast. But whatever happens in my career, my debut in each format will always remain special to me and will be matches that I will always recall with fond memories.

Given his exceptional start, ultimately, Shaheen’s achievements in cricket could end up being phenomenal when he hangs up his boots. But he is philosophical and humble when asked about his dreams and aspirations.

“No, I don’t think too far ahead, in fact I’m someone who doesn’t look at past achievements or too far into the future, rather just think about the present moment and focus on the next match whoever that may be for.”

 

[MenInG]

Tad expensive for Shaheen

1/38 in 4 overs

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&#55356;&#57253;Afridi opens his account<br><br>Watch <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrentBridgeLive?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrentBridgeLive</a><a href="https://t.co/nyx7rb24kN">https://t.co/nyx7rb24kN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MoreThanAGame?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MoreThanAGame</a> <a href="https://t.co/DxR244iZFP">pic.twitter.com/DxR244iZFP</a></p>— Notts Outlaws &#55356;&#57337; (@TrentBridge) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrentBridge/status/1670428827850272770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Rana]

Tad expensive for Shaheen

1/38 in 4 overs

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&#55356;&#57253;Afridi opens his account<br><br>Watch <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrentBridgeLive?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrentBridgeLive</a><a href="https://t.co/nyx7rb24kN">https://t.co/nyx7rb24kN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MoreThanAGame?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MoreThanAGame</a> <a href="https://t.co/DxR244iZFP">pic.twitter.com/DxR244iZFP</a></p>— Notts Outlaws &#55356;&#57337; (@TrentBridge) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrentBridge/status/1670428827850272770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

9-10 runs per over

Standard for Shaheen these days

 

[Firebat]

2/28 in 4 overs for Shaheen as his side defeated Leicestershire by 22 runs.

 

[MenInG]

2/28 in 4 overs for Shaheen as his side defeated Leicestershire by 22 runs.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Shaheen Shah Afridi. Stumps. Mess. &#55356;&#57267; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blast23?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Blast23</a> <a href="https://t.co/lJEzujr29K">pic.twitter.com/lJEzujr29K</a></p>— Vitality Blast (@VitalityBlast) <a href="https://twitter.com/VitalityBlast/status/1671254647284158466?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Saj]

Incredible first over tonight against Birmingham:

4 wickets for 7 runs.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Incredible first over tonight against Birmingham:

4 wickets for 7 runs.

1st wicket was pitching outside leg stump, missing 5th stump. A howler from the umpire.

2nd wicket was just gifted by the batsman.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Shaheen Shah Afridi's first over tonight versus Birmingham:<br><br>5 wides<br>Wicket<br>Wicket<br>1 run<br>1 run<br>Wicket<br>Wicket<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blast23?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Blast23</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1674858471357833226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Incredible bowling from the brilliant Shaheen Shah Afridi. 4 wickets in his first over tonight for Notts versus Birmingham <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blast23?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Blast23</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/pQKUNxy2KO">pic.twitter.com/pQKUNxy2KO</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1674861422658871310?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Remarkable!

 

[The Bald Eagle]