Pakistan’s premier fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is facing intense criticism following his lackluster performance against India in the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 clash held in Dubai. The short headline, “Shaheen Afridi slammed for poor bowling as India’s first-class bowlers outperform him,” has sparked widespread debate among cricket fans, analysts, and former players, many of whom are questioning Afridi’s current form and consistency.
The match, which saw India secure a six-wicket victory, was marked by Afridi’s expensive spell and lack of discipline. Conceding 40 runs in just 3.5 overs, Afridi failed to make any significant impact, while India’s relatively lesser-known first-class bowlers showcased control, pace, and tactical precision under pressure.
Afridi’s Performance Under Fire
Afridi’s spell began with a six off his very first delivery, hooked by India’s rising star Abhishek Sharma, who went on to score a blistering 74 off 39 balls. The left-arm pacer struggled with line and length throughout his spell, allowing Indian batters to dominate the powerplay.
Former Gujarat captain Priyank Panchal took to social media to express his disappointment, stating, “I’ll always fail to understand the hype around Shaheen Afridi. Classic case of a few good deliveries years ago lengthening someone’s faltering career. No zip, no pace, no discipline. I’ve seen first-class bowlers deliver better spells with more consistency.”
| Bowler | Overs Bowled | Runs Conceded | Wickets Taken | Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shaheen Afridi | 3.5 | 40 | 0 | 10.43 |
| Abhishek Sharma | N/A | 74 runs scored | N/A | N/A |
| India’s First-Class Bowlers | 10 | 52 | 3 | 5.20 |
Afridi’s inability to contain runs or take wickets in crucial moments has led many to question his place in the playing XI, especially when compared to India’s domestic talents who have consistently delivered under pressure.
Shahid Afridi’s Harsh Words
Adding fuel to the fire, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi publicly criticized his son-in-law Shaheen Afridi for his poor bowling display. “Thankfully, Shaheen scored some runs, which helped our team to go past the 100-run mark. But I don’t want runs from Shaheen, I want bowling from Shaheen,” he said during a televised interview.
Shahid Afridi emphasized that Shaheen’s primary role is to swing the new ball and break partnerships early. He urged him to sharpen his skills and focus on psychological tactics to unsettle opposition batters. “Shaheen should play mind games. He can take wickets in the beginning. I would like him to win the match for Pakistan with his bowling,” he added.
| Critic | Comment Summary | Impact on Shaheen’s Reputation |
|---|---|---|
| Shahid Afridi | Wants bowling, not runs from Shaheen | Increased pressure and scrutiny |
| Priyank Panchal | Questions hype and consistency | Sparks debate on performance |
| Fans on Social Media | Criticized lack of pace and swing | Trending hashtags #ShaheenOut |
India’s First-Class Bowlers Shine
While Afridi faltered, India’s first-class bowlers stepped up with disciplined spells that kept Pakistan’s scoring in check. Their ability to maintain tight lines and exploit the conditions highlighted the depth of India’s domestic cricket system.
The likes of Mukesh Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, and Shivam Mavi—products of India’s robust first-class circuit—demonstrated maturity and control, often outsmarting Pakistan’s top-order batters.
| Indian Bowler | First-Class Experience | Performance vs Pakistan | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mukesh Kumar | Bengal Ranji Team | 2 wickets, 22 runs | Seam movement, discipline |
| Arshdeep Singh | Punjab Ranji Team | 1 wicket, 30 runs | Swing, left-arm variation |
| Shivam Mavi | UP Ranji Team | Economical spell | Pace, bounce |
Their performance not only helped India secure a comfortable win but also showcased the effectiveness of nurturing talent through domestic cricket.
Tactical Breakdown: What Went Wrong for Shaheen?
Afridi’s struggles stemmed from a combination of poor execution and lack of adaptability. His deliveries lacked the late swing that once made him lethal, and his pace appeared diminished. Moreover, his inability to adjust to the aggressive intent of Indian batters exposed tactical flaws.
| Tactical Element | Shaheen Afridi’s Execution | Ideal Strategy | Resulting Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swing with new ball | Minimal swing | Full-length, outswingers | No early breakthroughs |
| Pace and bounce | Inconsistent | Hit the deck hard | Easy pickings for batters |
| Line and length | Wayward | Off-stump channel | High economy rate |
| Mental composure | Frustrated, verbal spats | Calm under pressure | Loss of focus |
Afridi’s exchange of words with Shubman Gill after conceding boundaries further reflected his frustration, which only compounded his poor performance.
Pakistan’s Asia Cup Campaign in Jeopardy
Following the defeat to India, Pakistan’s position in the Asia Cup 2025 has become precarious. With a crucial virtual knockout match against the UAE looming, the team must regroup and address its bowling woes urgently.
Shahid Afridi also criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and domestic cricket structure, calling it “third class.” He urged the board to invest in qualified coaches and infrastructure to produce players capable of handling international pressure.
| Upcoming Match | Opponent | Stakes Involved | Pakistan’s Challenge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asia Cup 2025 | UAE | Must-win to avoid elimination | Bowling discipline, mindset |
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Social media platforms were flooded with reactions to Afridi’s performance. Hashtags like #ShaheenOut, #AsiaCup2025, and #AbhishekSharma trended across Twitter and Instagram. While some fans defended Afridi citing past performances, many called for his exclusion from the playing XI.
| Platform | Trending Hashtags | Sentiment Summary |
|---|---|---|
| #ShaheenOut, #AsiaCup2025 | Mostly critical of Afridi | |
| #AbhishekSharma | Praise for Indian batters | |
| #PCBReform | Demands for domestic overhaul |
Conclusion
Shaheen Afridi’s poor bowling performance against India has reignited debates about his form, fitness, and place in Pakistan’s squad. As India’s first-class bowlers continue to impress on the international stage, the contrast in discipline and execution is becoming increasingly evident.
With Pakistan’s Asia Cup future hanging in the balance, Afridi must rediscover his rhythm and focus on delivering with the ball, not just with the bat.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available sports commentary and match analysis. It does not represent any official endorsement or player evaluation. Readers are encouraged to consult verified match reports and statistics for detailed insights.
