‘He has got such a natural skill’ – Veteran pacer Stuart Broad expresses his admiration for Pakistan quick Shaheen Afridi 

Veteran English cricketer Stuart Broad, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket, heaped praise on Pakistan pace sensation Shaheen Shah Afridi and admitted that he is one of his favourite bowlers in the world. Broad gave Shaheen’s run-up a special mention and praised the right-arm seamer’s natural talent for swinging the ball that destroys right-handed batters.

The legendary England pacer’s comment follows Shaheen’s stunning performance in the ongoing The Hundred tournament. The Pakistan speedster announced his arrival in the 100-ball tournament with his trademark inswinger and toe-crushing yorkers while playing for Welsh Fire.

“Shaheen Shah Afridi is one of my favourite bowlers to watch in the world. He has got such a great presence about him when he runs in, and I love bowlers run in with energy and vibrancy to their run-up,” said Broad, who ended his illustrious career on a high note after the 2023 Ashes.

Shaheen was on fire in his debut match for Welsh Fire, picking up two wickets in the very first two deliveries to set the tone for his side’s 9-run triumph over Manchester Originals on August 2 in Cardiff. The 23-year-old dismissed Phil Salt with his lethal inswinger and Laurie Evans with a yorker to give Welsh Fire a dream start while defending 95 in a rain-interrupted match.

I admire him hugely, I want to see him do well: Stuart Broad 

Meanwhile, Broad said that Shaheen’s inswinger to right-handers is a pleasure to watch and is his natural skill. The holder of more than 600 Test wickets has expressed his wish that the Pakistan pacer will do the same for Nottinghamshire outlaws.

“He has got such a natural skill – the way that ball swings back into the right-handers is such a pleasure to watch. And he represented the Notts Outlaws this summer, which is close to my heart. He’s one of the bowlers I admire hugely, and I want to see him do well,” Broad said.

Shaheen has been sidelined for a while due to a knee injury but has made an impressive comeback. His next major challenge will be the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup, and Pakistan will be hoping that he can maintain his strong form in these key tournaments.