Azhar Mahmood: “So far we have observed [the] problem with him is that he is unable to bowl with his wrist behind the ball and thus not getting the right results”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Pakistan assistant coach Azhar Mahmood has conceded that left-arm pace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has an issue with his bowling action, which is affecting his ability to take wickets.
Mahmood noted that Afridi “is unable to bowl with his wrist behind the ball” and confirmed that the team management are aware of the problem and will fix it.
His remarks come at a time when the 24-year-old has seen an increasing amount of criticism directed his way due to his ineffectiveness. He was lambasted for drop in bowling speed as well, but has seemingly rectified the issue as he is now back at 140 kph.
“So far we have observed [the] problem with him is that he is unable to bowl with his wrist behind the ball and thus not getting the right results,” the former all-rounder was quoted as saying by PakPassion.
In the recent ODI tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa, Afridi had a solid campaign as he took six wickets in three matches at an average of 33.16.
Afridi’s next assignment will be the 2025 Champions Trophy, which will be played from February 19 to March 9.
Pakistan Squad for 2025 Champions Trophy: Mohammad Rizwan (captain and wicketkeeper), Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah