Workload management for fast bowlers is a hot topic in modern cricket, but Pakistan’s pace sensation Shaheen Shah Afridi isn’t exactly buying into the hype.
In a recent interview, Afridi made his stance clear, comparing his situation with that of Pakistan’s legendary bowlers like Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis.
Shaheen pointed out that back in the day, there wasn’t all this chatter about workload, yet Wasim and Waqar played relentlessly, delivering in match after match.
What’s the Fuss About?
Afridi seems genuinely surprised at how much attention is given to fast bowlers’ workload these days. He made it clear that this wasn’t a concern for legends like Wasim and Waqar back in the day.
“If you look at the past, our legendary bowlers like Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, at that time there was no workload issue,” Afridi commented. It’s a bold statement, especially considering how fast bowlers today are under constant scrutiny.
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It’s More Mental Than Physical
According to Afridi, the real key to a long career isn’t just about counting the overs you’ve bowled—it’s about mental strength. He emphasized that being mentally fit and adaptable is more important than worrying about bowling too many overs.
He feels fast bowlers need to focus on how they respond to different game situations and formats. “I don’t know why we have made it a big topic over the last one year that there is workload and players are getting injured,” he said.
“It depends individually on the players, how they play in particular formats. You need to be mentally fit and strong on how to react in different circumstances.”
Support from Management
Afridi also highlighted the importance of support from the management and close ones. When a player is going through a rough patch, it’s crucial to have a strong support system in place.
“It’s a small period where you need support from the management and close ones, who need to give you positive messages. I don’t know about the workload, it isn’t that much but I feel that everyone should enjoy regardless of the format,” he said.
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Gary Kirsten Sounds the Alarm
Not everyone shares Afridi’s relaxed view on workload management. Pakistan’s white-ball head coach, Gary Kirsten, recently raised concerns about the number of overs Afridi has bowled in the last 18 months. According to Kirsten, Afridi has bowled three times more than any other fast bowler in the world.
“Fast bowlers are always under immense pressure to deliver and win games,” Kirsten said. And he’s not wrong. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah have been the backbone of Pakistan’s bowling attack across all formats, and the constant demand could take its toll.
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