Watch - "Itne Injection Liye...": Shahid Afridi Mocks Shoaib Akhtar Over Comments On Shaheen Afridi

22.03.2023 - 12:33 sports.ndtv.com

One of the finest bowlers of his generation, Shaheen Afridi has struggled to keep his fitness intact. While injuries are part and parcel of the game, Shaheen's absence from crucial encounters like the T20 World Cup 2022 final, have cost Pakistan dearly.

After Shaheen had to leave the match midway due to an injury, former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar made a rather bold statement, suggesting the pacer should've taken injections or pills and continued the game.

Akhtar, who himself was a tough bowler, shared his views on the incident but not every former Pakistan cricketer is of the same opinion.

Shahid Afridi, who reunited with Akhtar for Legends League Cricket, found the opportunity to troll the pacer over his comments, reminding him of what where this attitude of his has brought him. "If I was in his place, I would've bowled those 12 deliveries and become Pakistan's biggest celebrity; a national hero.

cricket on watch Shaheen Afridi Shahid Afridi Shoaib Akhtar Qatar Pakistan

The chairman of PCB management committee, Najam Sethi, has revealed that Shahid Afridi-led interim selection panel initially wanted to replace Babar Azam as captain. However, he added that as soon as the panel members took their role, they changed their mind. PCB went through a series of changes in December last year. It included the sacking of the then chairman Ramiz Raja from his role with Najam Sethi taking over the duties later. Meanwhile, the PCB also appointed Shahid Afridi as the chaiman of the National Selection Committee for the home series against New Zealand.

Watch: Pakistan Youngster's Bouncer To Afghanistan Star Reminds Shoaib Akhtar Of His Body Blow To Brian Lara

Pakistan defeated Afghanistan by 66 runs in the third T20I on Monday and but lost the three-match series 2-1. Asked to bat first, Pakistan posted 182/7 in 20 overs after Saim Ayub smashed 49 while Shadab Khan scored 28 off 17 balls. Later, Afghanistan were bundled out for 116 as Pakistan claimed a comfortable victory by 66 runs. In the entire match, pacer Ihsanullah emerged as the most impressive player as he not only took three wickets but also troubled the Rashid Khan-led team with his blistering pace. As the young quick has been receiving a lot of praise from all over the world, former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar also did not shy away from praising the Ihsanullah in unique way.

"If Kapil Dev Says...": Abdul Razzak Opens Up On Controversial Comments Regarding Hardik Pandya

Former Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq can be called controversy's "favourite child". Razzaq stays in the limelight with his harsh comments on players and teams. The 43-year-old cricketer, who played his last match for Pakistan in 2013, invited a lot of criticism after he stated that the India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is nowhere near Kapil Dev. However, Razzaq has made headlines once again but this time he opened up on his statement regarding Pandya and claimed that his words were wrongly portrayed by the critics.

"If Pathans And Bengalis...:" 'Happy' Shoaib Akhtar Reacts To Pakistan's T20I Series Loss vs Afghanistan

Afghanistan secured a historic series triumph over Pakistan, beating Shadab Khan & Co. in the first and the second T20I series to take an unassailable 2-0 lead. Having sealed the fate of the series with one match to spare, Afghanistan drew plaudits from the entire cricketing fraternity. Even Pakistan legend Shoaib Akhtar said that he was 'very happy' by Afghanistan's win and backed them to do well at the forthcoming ODI World Cup which is to be held in India.

"Was Poisoned...": Pakistan Star's Startling Claim, Reveals How Shahid Afridi Helped Him

Between 1999 and 2012, Imran Nazir played eight Tests, 79 ODIs and 25 T20Is for the Pakistan cricket team. He was also part of Pakistan squad for the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup. However, he could never get a long run as other players upstaged him with good performance. He recently narrated a bone chilling incident where he claimed that he was poisoned. The former opening batter said that he was diagnosed with mercury poisoning. He also mentioned that Shahid Afridi provided him financial support during his treatment.

"It's Unfortunate": Shoaib Akhtar Critical Of India Management On Jasprit Bumrah Fitness

Former Pakistan cricket team fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar believes that India could have managed Jasprit Bumrah's work rate a bit better as the India pacer is currently ruled out due to injury. In a recent interaction, Akhtar explained that the bowling action that Bumrah has is not sustainable for anyone who wants to have a long career in the sport and even explained that the action can end up causing issues to his back in the long run. Bumrah has not featured for the Indian cricket team in the past few series and the fast bowler will also miss the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to injury.