Former Pakistan team manager Mohammad Hafeez recently made a sensational claim involving young fast bowlers Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi. Mohammad Hafeez stated that Naseem Shah had more impact in the first over of the match than Shaheen Afridi.

Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi are currently representing teams in the current edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024. Afridi has taken nine wickets in six matches at an average of 23. The left-arm pacer also leads Lahore Qalandars in the PSL 2024.

On the other hand, Naseem Shah has taken eight wickets in six matches at an average of 23 and an impressive economy rate of 7.67. He returned professionally during PSL 2024 after undergoing shoulder surgery. He currently represents Islamabad United.

Naseem Shah’s impact is more than Shaheen Afridi – Mohammad Hafeez

Mohamed Hafeez praised Naseem Shah‘s performance, noting that his impact in the first match could surpass that of Shaheen Afridi, considered world-class. Hafeez said Naseem has been exceptionally influential in recent months.

“Naseem Shah’s impact in the first over of the match is greater than that of Shaheen Afridi. Shaheen is world class, but Naseem has had more impact than anyone else in the world in the last 7-8 months.” Mohammad Hafeez said.

Naseem Shah has been a regular member of Pakistan’s bowling attack in all formats of late. The right-arm pacer’s absence was evident during the 2023 ODI World Cup, where the Men in Green failed to advance to the knockout stages of the event in India.

It is very difficult for me to watch matches on television – Naseem Shah

Naseem Shah recently expressed his frustration over missing the 2023 ODI World Cup due to injury. Shah described the agony of watching games on television while he recovered from surgery, feeling a strong desire to be on the field with his teammates.

“For me it was very difficult to watch the games on television, when you know that you belong on the field with the rest of the team. I hardly watched any games because I simply couldn’t stand to watch them. He had his hand in a sling after the surgery and I used to wake up at night thinking the injury had healed.” said Naseem Shah in an interview with CricWick.

“When you’re stuck in a room for a long period of time, you tend to feel mentally depressed and frustrated.” he added.

Naseem, who was the key player in the Asia Cup, suffered a serious shoulder injury during the tournament, which kept him out of further events. The pacer was unable to participate in the red ball tour of Australia, leaving Pakistan struggling in his absence.

The 21-year-old made his international debut at just 16 years old. He has showcased his talent in multiple T20 World Cups for Pakistan. He has played in 17 Tests, 14 ODIs and 19 T20Is, taking 51 wickets, 32 wickets and 15 wickets in three formats respectively.

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