By India Today Sports Desk: Former England pacer Stuart Broad lauded Shaheen Shah Afridi and called the Pakistani speedster “one of my favourite bowlers”. Shaheen, who is currently playing for Welsh Fire in the 2023 edition of the Hundred Men’s competition, was interviewed by Broad and veteran Indian wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik before Friday’s match against Southern Brave at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.
Shaheen made his debut in the Hundred two days ago against the Manchester Originals at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. The left-armer picked up wickets with his first two deliveries, dismissing the experienced Phil Salt and Laurie Evans. On the back of his spell, the Fire beat the Originals by nine runs in a rain-curtailed 40-ball match.
Broad, who recently signed off after playing the final Ashes Test at KIA Oval, praised Shaheen for the energy he bowls with. Interestingly, Shaheen played for the Nottinghamshire Outlaws in the T20 Blast earlier this year. Broad, born in Nottingham, has been a part of the Outlaws for many years.
“Shaheen Shah Afridi is one of my favourite bowlers to watch in the world. He has got such a great presence about him when he runs in, and I love bowlers run in with energy and vibrancy to their run up,” Broad was quoted as saying to Sky Sports.
“He has got such a natural skill – the way that ball swings back into the right-handers is such a pleasure to watch. And he represented the Notts Outlaws this summer, which is close to my heart. He’s one of the bowlers I admire hugely, and I want to see him do well,” he added.
After the Hundred, Shaheen is set to take part in the Asia Cup, which is scheduled to take place from August 30 to September 17 in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Shaheen is also expected to play a key role when Pakistan play in the World Cup 2023 to be held on Indian soil.
