Mohammad Hafeez: “Shoaib Akhtar and Shahid Afridi are the biggest superstars in Pakistan cricket because they smashed India many times”
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Former all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez said legendary fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar and iconic spin-bowling power-hitter Shahid Afridi “are the biggest superstars in Pakistan cricket because they smashed India many times”.
Akhtar is arguably the most frightening speedster the country has ever produced and still holds the record for the fastest ball bowled in international cricket at 161.3 kph (100.2 mph).
As for Afridi, he is right up there with the best all-rounders as he had the ability to launch awe-inspiring offensives with the bat and create havoc with the ball.
Since India and Pakistan have the biggest rivalry in international cricket, Hafeez feels the duo cemented their legendary status by producing memorable performances against the men in blue.
“Shoaib Akhtar and Shahid Afridi are the biggest superstars in Pakistan cricket because they smashed India many times,” he was quoted as saying by journalist Farid Khan on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The Pakistan team recently faced India in the 2025 Champions Trophy, but were beaten by six wickets. This became a common theme for the men in green in the tournament as they went winless throughout their campaign and ended up being dumped out in the group stage.
Afterwards, Pakistan toured New Zealand and were battered 4-1 in the T20I series before suffering a 3-0 defeat in the ODIs.
Many of the national players have recently been involved in the 2025 Pakistan Super League (PSL), which will conclude on May 25.
Once PSL 10 ends, Pakistan will be back in action as they will face Bangladesh in a three-match T20I series in Lahore from May 28 to June 1.
Pakistan Squad for Bangladesh T20I Series: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper) and Saim Ayub
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