New Zealand all-rounder Mark Chapman, who has become an integral part of New Zealand’s white-ball squad, recently opened up about his cricketing inspirations growing up—and it turns out, two of them were none other than Pakistan’s star all-rounders, Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq.
In a candid chat on a sports podcast, Chapman was asked about the players he followed as a kid. His response came as a pleasant surprise to many.
Mark Chapman Reveals His Heroes
“Growing up, I certainly have fond memories of watching Shahid Afridi. You can’t look past him,” Chapman said. “Everyone sort of held their breath when he walked out to bat.”
And honestly, who wouldn’t? Afridi, known as “Boom Boom,” was one of those players who could change the game in a matter of moments. Whether it was his explosive batting or his crafty leg-spin, Afridi always had fans on the edge of their seats.
But Afridi wasn’t the only Pakistani player Chapman admired. “Another name is Abdul Razzaq. I really enjoyed watching him, particularly his batting,” he shared.
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Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq: The Game-Changers
Just like Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq was also known for his destructive batting display. He was a good enough bowler, who can swing the ball at will, but he made a name for himself with his batting exploits, leaving a lasting impression on fans across the globe.
Both Afridi and Razzaq were known for their ability to turn a game around single-handedly. Their performances were instrumental in many of Pakistan’s most famous victories, including the historic 2009 ICC T20 World Cup win.
Afridi, in particular, was the hero of that tournament, being named Player of the Match in both the semi-final and final.
Chapman didn’t stop at the legends of the past. He also took the time to praise Pakistan’s current white-ball captain, Babar Azam. “You know, he is a wealth of knowledge. He’s up there in the world with some of the best batters,” Chapman said.
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