‘Bhagne main bhi conscious nazar aaye’ – Aaqib Javed’s message to Babar Azam on Shaheen Afridi

Shaheen Afridi, the Pakistani lead pacer, made it to the 20-20 World Cup squad after completing his rehabilitation in London. However, in the opening clash against India on October 23, Sunday, the left-arm pacer went wicketless and conceded 34 runs in his entire spell. 

Aaqib Javed, the former Pakistani cricketer opened up on the pacer and said Afridi had a fiery pace during his initial days in the team. Emphasizing Afridi’s fitness, Javed said that the bowler was not at his best during India’s clash. 

“Nehi, 100 per cent nazar nehi aaye. Woh jo pehla ball bhaga hai na, I was like, ‘Oh…what’s happening?’. Because shuru main uska woh pace, woh arm speed…but idhr dekhiye, uska pace bhi kaam aa rahi thi. Bhagne main bhi conscious nazar aaye (It did not look like he was at his 100% to me. When he delivered the first ball, I was like, ‘Oh… what’s happening?’. Because, initially his pace, and his arm speed worked out. However, here, he seemed to be conscious about his leg injury while coming up with his run-up,” Javed said to Geo News. 

It would be the biggest blunder to let Shaheen play: Javed

The former Pakistan cricketer said that the pacer must be rested and added if he is not able to run, then he must not play for a few games in the tournament. Further, Javed said that if the left-arm pacer is conscious about his injury then it would be a blunder to let him play.

“Dekhna yeh hain ki agar woh bhag nehi sakte then it would be the biggest blunder to let Shaheen play (If he is not able to run, then it would be the biggest blunder to let Shaheen play)” Javed said further. 

With regards to the match, India held on to their nerves on the back of Virat Kohli’s mighty 82* that saw the Rohit Sharma-led team clinch the win against their arch-rivals. The team under the guidance of Rahul Dravid would hope to continue with the form and win the title after 15 years.