Former Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq and ex-pacer Mohammad Amir advised speedster Shaheen Afridi ahead of the Men in Green's clash against the Netherlands in the ICC World Cup 2023.
While speaking on Haarna Mana Hay, Razzaq urged Shaheen to be more patient especially when he is bowling with the old ball.
"Cricket is played in accordance with the situation of a match. Sometimes you go for wickets and sometimes it is important to contain runs. You will be in trouble if you mix them," said Razzaq. "Shaheen thinks that the old ball will offer the same assistance like the new ball, which is not the case. He needs to bring variations in his bowling with the old ball. He needs to bowl with patience because sometimes you won't get wickets and you will have to wait for the batter's mistake. If you are always looking for wickets, you will only be successful twice in a 100 attempts."
Meanwhile, Amir said that Shaheen's ability to pick up early wickets will be key for Pakistan.
"Like Babar Azam, Shaheen's role in the team is very important. If he doesn't set the tone with the ball, Pakistan team will struggle. It is very important that he takes wickets in the initial few overs. If he doesn't get wickets, it could be a problem," said Amir.
It must be noted that Pakistan will face Netherlands today in their first match of ICC World Cup 2023 in Hyderabad.
A total of 10 teams will fight for the elusive title across 10 venues from October 5 to November 19.
The Cricket World Cup will be played in the round-robin format with all teams playing against each other for a total of 45 league matches.
The top four teams will qualify for the semifinals, which will be held in Mumbai on November 15 and in Kolkata on November 16. The semi-finals and the final will have reserve days.
The winners of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 will earn US$4 million. The runners-up will receive US$2 million, while the losing semi-finalists will earn $800,000 each from the total prize pot of US$10 million.
The winners of each match in the group stage will receive US$40,000 and the six teams that do not qualify for the semi-finals will receive a payment of US$100,000.
- Shaheen Afridi
