"True entertainer": Fans can't keep calm after Shaheen Afridi blames speed gun for his lack of pace
Pakistan is set to lock horns in a five-match Test series against New Zealand, commencing on January 12. This tour marks a significant moment for Shaheen Afridi, who undertakes his maiden role as the captain for Pakistan in the T20I format. In a pre-series press conference, Shaheen addressed concerns about his reduced pace observed during the recently concluded Test series against Australia.
In a unique take, he blamed the decrease in his pace to the speed guns registering 130-132 kph.
“To be honest pehle toh hum khud agar bowling kar rahe the, na toh board to dekh rahe the ki yaar, ye sach me hum yahi hain? Kyunki, pata hi nahi chal raha tha, jo body suru se bowling kar rahi hai aur wo itna jor laga ke 132-33 pe aati hai to hum khud hi hairan hai ki yaar kya pehle se hi kuch decide hua hai ki is pace se zyada nahi hoga?”
“Honestly, when we were bowling and checking the scoreboard (side screen), we were puzzled if we were really bowling at that speed. Our bodies are used to bowling faster, and it was strange that we couldn’t exceed 132-33kmph. We were wondering if it was planned for the speed gun not to display a speed higher than that.”
Pakistan faces Kiwi challenge next
During the Test series in Australia, Afridi demonstrated his prowess by claiming eight wickets across two matches, maintaining an average of 41.63. Simultaneously, he expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to lead Pakistan in T20Is, acknowledging the responsibility that comes with the role, especially after Babar Azam's resignation following the ODI World Cup last year.
The upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand is scheduled to kick off at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday, January 12.
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