From Shaheen the boy to Shaheen Shah Afridi the name

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, a prominent name in the international cricket scene, recently shared the remarkable journey that transformed him from a young boy named Shaheen into the formidable Shaheen Shah Afridi. In an exclusive interview with ESPN Cricinfo’s Pakistan correspondent, Danyal Rasool, Afridi reflected on his path to success and the pivotal role that the ICC World Cup played in his career.

Afridi candidly admitted that he had doubts about his selection for the World Cup due to his performance in the series leading up to the tournament. Despite his impressive wicket-taking ability, he was struggling with his line and length, conceding runs. “I couldn’t compare myself to the great players in that team,” Afridi confessed.

However, destiny had other plans. When he received the news of his selection for the World Cup, it was a moment of sheer jubilation. “It was special as it was my first World Cup. And the ODI World Cup just hits different,” Afridi remarked.

His journey in the tournament was far from smooth, with initial matches against Australia posing significant challenges. Yet, the turning point came after the New Zealand match, where Afridi managed to take 15 wickets in four matches, ending up with the best average for Pakistan.

Afridi emphasized the importance of learning from mistakes, both big and small. He analyzed his performance meticulously, identifying areas for improvement. His dedication in the nets, focused on refining line and length, began to pay off.

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A striking aspect of Afridi’s journey is his evolution from not being a new-ball bowler initially. Despite this, he worked tirelessly to excel in that role, which eventually earned him a chance during a series in Abu Dhabi before the World Cup.

He recalled the disappointment of not being selected for the game against India, despite being part of the squad. Such decisions, he acknowledged, are part and parcel of team dynamics and the choices made by the management.

Afridi’s commitment to the team’s success was unwavering. He aimed to dismiss the opposition’s best batsmen, giving his team the best chance to win every match. This dedication continued even when Pakistan’s hopes of advancing were slim. For Afridi, representing Pakistan meant giving his all, regardless of the circumstances.

His standout performance against Bangladesh, despite the team’s elimination, demonstrated his unwavering passion and determination. Bowling under bright sunshine, he used his skills effectively to secure crucial wickets, including a few with pinpoint yorkers.

Reflecting on his journey, Afridi noted that the World Cup was a turning point in his career. It taught him invaluable lessons, not just in cricket but also in life, helping him discover his inner strength and resilience.

In Afridi’s eyes, the World Cup wasn’t just a tournament; it was the crucible that transformed Shaheen the boy into Shaheen Shah Afridi the name. His inspiring journey serves as a testament to the power of dedication, learning from mistakes, and seizing opportunities on the grandest stage of cricket.

Web Desk