Shaheen Afridi: Pakistan’s Left-Arm Fast Bowler Profile

Shaheen Shah Afridi is a left-arm fast bowler who emerged as one of the most threatening new-ball bowlers in world cricket while still in his teens. Tall and quick, he combines pace with the ability to swing the ball back into right-handed batters, a skill that has made him a danger in the opening overs of an innings in every format.

Early life and rise

Born in 2000 in the Khyber region of Pakistan, Shaheen rose quickly through age-group cricket and the Pakistan Super League. He made his international debut in 2018, and within a year he was picked for the 2019 ODI World Cup in England, still aged 19.

World Cup breakthrough

At that tournament Shaheen produced one of the standout spells by a young bowler, taking 6 for 35 against Bangladesh at Lord’s. The performance confirmed that he was ready for the biggest stage and helped him finish as one of Pakistan’s leading wicket-takers in the competition.

Playing style

Shaheen runs in with a smooth action and looks to attack the stumps and the pads of right-handers, using the full length to bring lbw and bowled into play. As his career has developed he has added variations and improved his ability to bowl at the death, while his height gives him bounce when he drops the ball shorter.

Highlights

One of his most remembered performances came at the 2021 T20 World Cup, when he dismissed India’s opening batters Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul early in Pakistan’s ten-wicket win in Dubai. In franchise cricket he has been central to Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League, a team that won the title in 2022 and 2023 with Shaheen leading the side.

Legacy and outlook

Shaheen’s career is still developing, and any assessment is necessarily a snapshot. What is already clear is that he has combined pace, swing and an appetite for big matches, and has become one of the defining bowlers of his generation for Pakistan.

Frequently asked questions

What is Shaheen Afridi’s bowling style?

He bowls left-arm fast, relying on pace and the ability to swing the new ball back into right-handers.

What was Shaheen Afridi’s best performance at the 2019 World Cup?

He took 6 for 35 against Bangladesh at Lord’s, aged 19.

Which PSL team does Shaheen Afridi play for?

He plays for Lahore Qalandars, who won the PSL title in 2022 and 2023 under his captaincy.