‘Shaheen’s real problem is pressure of…’ – Ravi Shastri on pressures faced by Shaheen Afridi in long formats

India’s legendary commentator Ravi Shastri recently opined about the challenges faced by the Pakistan bowlers against Australia in the first test match of Pakistan’s tour of Australia at Perth. Notably, while the Australian fast bowlers touched the mark of 140 km/h speed, no Pakistani bowler could even be near the number. 

Ravi Shastri discussed that Pakistan’s core fast bowler Shaheen Afridi is always under pressure of performing well but does not get support from the other bowlers which puts additional pressure on him. Shastri also discussed the changing expectations of spectators from cricket while citing the example of the previous 60 overs ODI versus 50 overs. 

While talking about the evolution of test cricket and the need to adapt to the changing interests of the spectators, Shastri said, “When we (India) won the World Cup in 1983, it was a 60 overs (per side) game. It changed to 50 overs (per side). You’ve got to evolve with the time. The attention time of a spectator is diminishing. The way forward would be a 40-over game which would still keep the one-day format on par with the other formats. I see it with the crowd. They wait to see what happens at the toss.” 

Ravi Shastri on pressures faced by Shaheen Shah Afridi as the ace bowler for Pakistan 

“I think Shaheen Afridi’s real problem is the pressure of being the spearhead of this Pakistan attack. Without much real support at the other end, when it comes to pace. When you talk of Pakistan and their fast-bowling attack, there is a genuine pace all the time. And you don’t have one bowler here who is even close to 140. So that puts immense pressure even on someone like Shaheen,” said Ravi Shastri during the commentary of Australia vs Pakistan first test match. 

After day two of the first test match, Pakistan’s bowling coach and former cricketer Umar Gul talked about the bowlers’ performance and said, “I am quite satisfied with the way our bowlers fought back, especially after the first session yesterday. It is always difficult for a youngster to play against Australia in Australia. (Jamal) was picked in the 11 because he played a full First-Class season at home and was in good rhythm. We were expecting him to bowl long spells and it was good to see him deliver.”